Two police officers are hiking 500km from the Lake District to West Dulwich – in just twelve days – to raise £5,000 for emergency workers living with PTSD.
Stuart Cowan, Chair of the British Transport Police (BTP) Federation, and Gary Thwaite, CEO of the Civil Nuclear Police Federation, should arrive at the BTP office in West Dulwich on Monday, August 7.
Money raised through the Blue Light Hike is going to PTSD999, a not-for-profit that improves awareness of PTSD, and breaks down the stigma around mental health in the emergency services.
Gary Thwaite said: “It’s a sad truth that most of us within policing have lost friends, colleagues or even family members to suicide.”
Stuart Cowan added: “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.”
Walking, on average over 40km a day, the pair will push themselves to their physical and mental limits.
The duo have been posting videos of themselves on Twitter documenting their journey.
Day nine of the #BlueLightHike in aid of @PTSD999 and the mood is pretty low, to be honest. pic.twitter.com/ruBmr92K0t
— BTP Federation (@BTPolFed) August 2, 2023
In a recent message, recorded on day nine of the hike, Stuart said: “It’s a bit of a struggle. We’re taking so long having to get kitted up in respect of sorting our feet out and stretching, administering plasters to the blisters.”
“What he’s trying to say – we’re miserable,” Gary laughed.
Gary Hayes, co-founder of PTSD999, said: “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.”
Donate to the Blue Light Bike JustGiving page by clicking here.