To celebrate five years of partnership with Help for Heroes we’re sharing the stories of servicemen who have overcome adversity to take part in Tough Mudder, with the help of the charity and the funds raised by Mudders.
Paul’s story
Paul Wilson served for ten years with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and suffers from PTSD resulting from his tour of Afghanistan.
He has found that sport gives him a purpose and something to focus on. Physical activity helps him to escape from the past and allows him to concentrate on the present and give him something to aim for the future.
Paul said: “Help for Heroes has been vital in enabling me to start finding enjoyment through meeting other people again. Getting to know other people in similar situations to me has really strengthened my recovery.”
Recovery on the course
As part of his continuing recovery, Paul has competed in a number of Tough Mudder obstacle courses. He was also a member of the 130-strong British Armed Forces Team at the 2014 Invictus Games, competing in the archery competition.
“Doing the Tough Mudder events with Help for Heroes has helped me see past my PTSD. It’s helped me build friendships, laugh, have fun, be part of a team and provided me a focus for the future.
“The atmosphere at the Tough Mudder events is great, everybody helps each other out and it’s a great way to find some boundaries in your life and push beyond them.”
Fnd out how your Mudder journey can support Help for Heroes.