US veteran to take on our March in March fundraising challenge

A US veteran living near Nuremberg in Germany has signed up to complete our March in March challenge by walking 12 miles in under three hours, all while weighed down by a 35lb weighted backpack.

Tim French, a 41-year-old veteran who served 20 years in the US Army, decided to take on the challenge to raise awareness of veterans affected by PTSD, as well as get himself back to the level of fitness he is used to. As an infantryman who completed three tours of Iraq and one of Afghanistan, Tim is used to travelling long distances weighed down with full kit and weapons.

March in March asks participants to walk or run a minimum of 10 miles on any day during March. All funds raised help us to continue delivering our specialist mental health services to veterans across the UK.

Tim said: “I chose to take on the March in March challenge after it was brought to my attention through my new employer, Amazon Web Services. The idea of helping raise awareness of the work of Combat Stress and the invisible struggles that veterans with mental health problems can go through really resonated with me.

“Sadly, due to my deployments and combat experiences, I have struggled with survivors’ guilt and PTSD, and for quite a time I became isolated and almost lost my family as a result.

“I’ve never fundraised for a charity before, but to me the idea of raising awareness to help any veteran struggling like I was, is an incredibly powerful and moving notion.

“My intent is to complete my challenge within the three hours, although I fully expect to be sore for the next few days after. I’ll definitely be relieved to see my wife, kids and service dog Gunnar waiting for me at the finish line.”

To support Tim’s challenge, visit: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/timothyfrench/marchinmarch