My Story

After retiring from the Fire Service last year and before hopefully soon starting my new chapter as a driving instructor, I decided I would set myself a challenge, and in doing so also try and raise money for good causes.

I was undecided whether to do a bike, walk or paddleboard challenge, and in the end decided to link all three! I also wanted to do my challenge unsupported ( apart from changeover of equipment at the transitions ), carrying my equipment for each section, and camping where possible.

My ‘Don’t Give Up’ challenge is

Cycling Coast to Coast from Skegness to Aberdovey ( about 250 mile )

Paddleboarding the River Severn from Source to Sea ( I will walk to the source above Hafren Forest and will then need to walk/ bike the route of the first stretch of the River Severn from the Source as it is unnavigable in the upper section. I will be actually paddling from Pool Quay to the estuary). River Severn length 242 miles

Walking the Offas Dyke Path route from Sedbury cliffs on the South Wales coast to Prestatyn on the North Wales Coast. Distance 177 miles

As well as a challenge to myself ( even more of a challenge as I have done very little training!! ), I wanted to try and raise awareness and hopefully some money for three charities. My hope is that all three great charities will benefit from my challenge.

The charities and the reasons I have chosen these;

• The Harry Johnson Trust
• Samaritans of Shrewsbury
• The Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund

My time in the fire service at times sadly brought me in contact with a growing number of members of the public who were suffering from mental health issues. Also a couple of years ago I also came across a band called Ferocious Dog, who’s music is great, and who last year released a new album called ‘The Hope’. Although some previous songs also touch on similar subjects, within the songs on this album are two songs that are really poignant. One Called ‘Broken Soldier’, and one called ‘The Hope’. The first is about a soldier returning from war and not being able to cope adjusting back into civilian life. The second is about someone suffering from mental health issues with the message that with help there is hope. Both these songs really touched me and I delved more into the subjects. The band and these songs were the catalyst for two of the three charities I am hoping will benefit from my challenge, and for me actually deciding to take on this challenge. Two are linked to mental health issues, the other being a charity I have just always wanted to try and raise funds for.

The Harry Johnson Trust. I have always said that at some point I would try and raise money for this great cause after Harry, who was a Beaver in the Scout Group I help out with sadly passed away in 2014.

The Harry Johnson Trust was established in November 2014 following the death of seven year old Harry in July of that year.

Harry died following a nine month fight with Double Hit Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

The trust offers help and support to children and teenagers who receive care from the Oncology Team at The Princess Royal Hospital in Shropshire.

Samaritans of Shrewsbury is an independent local charity affiliated to the central charity; this means that they are responsible for raising all their own funds. The branch sustains the work of 78 local volunteers who give compassionate support to people in distress, despair and with suicidal feelings and actions.

Now more than ever, it is important for them to be there for people who need help. Samaritans listening volunteers are doing all they can for those struggling to cope, night or day, 365 days a year. They actively try and help prevent people reaching crisis point and give support when life becomes very difficult; especially at night when there are no other support services to turn to. This continues to be a theme for many who call; they feel they have no-one with whom they can share their most troubled thoughts

The Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund Lee was a fun loving boy who joined the army at the age of 18. He served in Afghanistan with 13 Air Assault Regiment where a close friend lost his life in battle. This war and the tragic loss of his friend left Lee with hidden scars.

When Lee left the army, although undetected he was suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). This was never diagnosed so therefore never treated. Lee did eventually seek medical advice but yet again was not given the help he so desperately needed.

On March 3rd 2012 at the age of 24 he tragically took his own life.

This fund has been set up to help local charities and other veterans in the memory of Lee.