Federation leaders to walk from the Lake District to London for PTSD999

Next month Stuart Cowan, Chair of BTP Federation, and Gary Thwaite, CEO of Civil Nuclear Police Federation, will hike from Cockermouth in the Lake District to the BTP Federation office in West Dulwich, London. 

This extreme physical and mental challenge will see the pair cover more than 500 kilometres in 12-14 days in aid of the not-for-profit organisation, PTSD999.  

Research reveals rates of PTSD in the UK police service are almost five times higher than in the UK population. 90% of police workers in The Job, The Life study had experienced trauma, and one in five of these reported symptoms of either PTSD or complex-PTSD. 

The Blue Light Hike, which gets underway on Tuesday 25 July at the Civil Nuclear Police Federation base in Cockermouth, will raise vital funds for PTSD999 highlight the challenges of mental health issues amongst police officers and other emergency services staff. 

Stuart Cowan and Gary Thwaite will hike more than 500km, carrying their personal kit and equipment, and navigating the route in sometimes tricky conditions. Both men have begun a rigorous training programme including gym sessions and low level 10km walks during the week with progressive training at the weekends, with distances increasing from 30km to 120km leading up to the challenge. 

Gary Thwaite said: “We hear a lot about mental health these days, especially in policing. There’s a lot of good work ongoing to reduce the stigma attached to mental health but simply, we still need to do more. It’s a sad truth that most of us within policing have lost friends, colleagues or even family members to suicide.” 

Stuart Cowan added: “So many officers are suffering with their mental health. I have faced my own challenges as a result of my work, but I consider myself lucky because I took the support that was offered and bounced back. If doing this challenge with Gary encourages just one person to reach out, then it will all be worth it.” 

Gary Hayes, co-founder of PTSD999 said: “Monies raised will enable PTSD999 to continue to provide much needed support and guidance around PTSD, a serious mental health issue that can have a devastating effect on the sufferer and a huge impact on family and friends along with close working colleagues. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to live with PTSD, and I am so grateful for the support given by Gary and Stuart. I encourage everyone to support their fundraising efforts and help to make a difference in the lives of others.” 

Stuart and Gary are being supported by Challenge The Wild, an outdoor events company that specialise in the planning and delivery of bespoke outdoor challenges. The challenge is being sponsored by organisations and individuals including ARC Legal, Axon, Rob Constable, Met Friendly, Motorfinity, PMAS, Colin Reynolds, Serve and Protect and Philip Williams Insurance.

 Stuart and Gary’s fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bluelightwalk