Hide and seek
On which page in this month’s Pick Me Up! can you find this scary skull?
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The Armed Forces Charity, SSAFA, helps the lives of serving men and women, as well as veterans and their families. Three passionate supporters share why it’s such an important charity for those in need. (www.ssafa.org.uk)
life would never be the same.
And in 2018, things took another turn for the worst when I was diagnosed with progressive lung disease.
There’s no help for it and in time, my lungs will pack up.
With everything going on, it was all too much, and I was soon diagnosed with PTSD.
I’ve always had a get up and go attitude and tried to keep going.
But after leaving the RAF, struggling at work, as well as my illness and injuries, it was a challenge to stay positive.
I found myself in a really dark place and most days, I didn’t want to leave the house.
I live in a three-storey building and I struggled to keep up with it.
And when the roof started
Doing it with a smile leaking, I was close to giving up.
But then, SSAFA stepped into my life.
For no reason other than pure generosity, they paid to fix it.
I couldn’t believe it and it gave me the kick I desperately needed.
If they’re willing to help me, then I have to try ,I told myself.
And that’s exactly what I did.
Pulling myself into gear, I got in a much better headspace.
And that’s when I decided to give back.
So, I pledged to climb the three tallest peaks in the UK – all done on my stairs.
Fundraising for SSAFA, Royal
It gave me the kick I needed
veterans, Fire and Rescue support staff and friends of the Fire and Rescue Service, families. Kidlingtonbased firefighter Mick Dunn, who organised the challenge, said; ‘We’re incredibly grateful to all those contributing and supporting us. ‘Planking strengthens your spine and various body muscles, so for serving firefighters, not only are we raising money for a very important cause, we’re also improving our physique for when we’re next called on to rescue residents or tackle a blaze. We
So grateful pledged to take on this extreme physical challenge, in order to raise funds for SSAFA.
Beginning on 75th anniversary of VE Day, the team has raised a whopping £2,815.
Harder than it sounds, the team smashed the challenge and SSAFA are now able to use the money to provide vital lifelong support to serving men and women, as well as veterans from the British Armed Forces and their
British Legion, RAF Benevolent Fund and Forces in the Community, it was time to give something back.
After getting my roof fixed and saving my life, SSAFA had put me in touch with all these different charities and each had helped me in their own way.
So, grabbing my walking sticks, I marched up and down the stairs for half-an-hour, four times a day.
And to make sure people believed me, I filmed it all for Facebook.
Putting on fancy dress, I did my best to make it as entertaining as possible – even if it was just me walking up the stairs.
Due to my back injury, I had to come down backwards, but I got used to it.
It took me a month to complete and I raised £2,000.
It was such a remarkable feeling, finally giving back. And I didn’t want to stop.
So, I’m currently at the start of my next challenge – to climb the height of the 100 tallest mountains in the world!
Upping it to four one-hour sessions, I estimate it’s going to take me a year, but I’ll do it.
I’ve now got my very own hashtag for the challenge – #justsomeguywalkingupand downthestairs
First time around, I donated the money to forces based charities, but hopefully this time, I can spread it across a few more.
Just like last time, I’m filming it, dressing up and doing my best to make people laugh.
This time two years ago, I was in a truly dark place. One I didn’t know how to get out of.
But now, thanks to SSAFA, I’m in the best place I’ve been in a long time.
I’m fit, healthy and happy – what more could you ask for! owe a massive debt of gratitude to the armed forces and all of their family members. ‘VE Day 75 was a time of reflection. It motivated our 25 brilliant fundraisers to commit to this rather unusual challenge.’ Rob Macdougall, Chief Fire Officer, Oxfordshire County Council, said;
‘I’m incredibly proud of our planking fundraisers.
‘As firefighters, we have a very close bond with the armed forces and recognise they are a huge part of the community here in Oxfordshire.
‘Our fundraisers have done a fantastic effort!
‘75 consecutive days is a real physical and psychological endurance test.
‘Our teams regularly encounter challenging situations with courage and professionalism to keep our residents safe, but this one is of their own making. ‘I’m very proud.
‘I hope it will raise awareness of the SSAFA charity and that people will want to donate to support this incredibly important cause.’
To mark VE Day 75!