Fundraiser handcuffs himself to 3kg ball

A supporter has undertaken an unusual fundraising challenge for Combat Stress by handcuffing a 3kg medicine ball to his wrist for two weeks.

Throughout that time Andy Unwin ate, showered, took part in runs and loaded marches, and did housework all while attached to the medicine ball. It was only taken off his wrist when he slept or drove.

Andy launched the Medicine Ball Challenge as a visual representation of the weight and awkwardness that can be felt by serving personnel and veterans with mental health problems.

With people stopping Andy to ask what he was doing, it gave him the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Andy said: “I cannot stress enough not all wounds are visible. Many service personnel and veterans carry these injuries around every single day. If you are struggling, please, please speak to someone be it a work colleague, a friend, even a stranger. Just speak out and ask for help.”

The challenge launched on International Men’s Day (19 November). Two weeks later Andy handed the medicine ball to Andy Reid, an Afghan veteran, author and triple amputee, and it was then handed to veteran Glen Hughes. Both veterans were attached to the ball for a week.

The Medicine Ball Challenge will continue until March, with several people signed up to take part.

So far more than £1,500 of the £3,000 target has been raised, with donations to be divided between Combat Stress and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. To donate, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Not_all_wounds_are_visible.

To find out more about the challenge visit https://www.facebook.com/warswithinthem/.