Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 01:32 pm
On Sunday 18 June, a team of four cyclists led by 78-year-old ex-Marine Jonathan Thomson will set off from Forsinard in Scotland on a dramatic 7-day, 750 km bike ride around the Orkney and Shetland islands. The ride is being undertaken to raise money for UK veterans’ mental health charity, PTSD Resolution, through the Just Giving website.
Founded in 2009, PTSD Resolution provides free, effective and prompt therapy for forces’ veterans, reservists and their families through a network of 200 therapists across the UK. Since its inception, the charity has had over 3,500 referrals, with 78% of cases seeing an improvement in reported symptoms to the point where no further therapy is needed.
This is Jonathan’s fourth cycle ride for PTSD Resolution and his fundraising total is currently standing at an impressive £75,000, helping up to 100 veterans out of the darkness. Joining Jonathan on ‘Shetland ’23’ will be Jim, a former naval pilot; Matt, a former Royal Marine; and Jez, an ex-Marine and an amputee.
The team will have no support and very little backup, and all costs are being covered privately so all funds raised will go directly to PTSD Resolution.
Speaking on the challenge, Jonathan said: “Too many of our veterans suffer the evil effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. This wrecks their lives and deeply affects those of their families and close friends. It is also a major cause of suicide. Cycling 100km or more in a day is not difficult – but doing so for seven days causes tiredness to build up. If we are to achieve our goal, we have to be fit, strong and well prepared, which means we train at least four days a week, sometimes for 3-4 hours. So ‘Shetland ’23’ is indeed a challenge!”
PTSD Resolution CEO, Charles Highett, has wished the ‘Shetland ’23’ team well on their journey and thanked them for their dedication: “Jonathan and his cycling teams display the sort of energy and dedication that enables us to continue in our important work. We ask all potential donors to support this valiant effort as far as they are able.”
To donate to the ‘Shetland ’23’ team and help UK Veterans, Reservists and families visit www.justgiving.com/page/jonathan-thomson-6. All funds raised will be used to support PTSD Resolution’s therapy and outreach programme, providing essential treatment for the pernicious condition of PTSD.
