Norfolk-based military charity Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) have launched their annual ‘Walking Home For Christmas’ festive campaign supporting those who served. Now entering its 10th year, “Walking Home For Christmas” stands as Walking With The Wounded’s annual festive fundraising initiative. Over the past decade, this campaign has collectively raised nearly £2 million to bolster veterans and their families through programmes encompassing mental health support, employment opportunities, and care coordination services. Tony Hulton, WWTW CEO, commented, “The festive season can be a joyous time of year for many, but for others it can be exceptionally difficult, especially veterans who have struggled since their transition from the military. WWTW’s Walking Home For Christmas campaign gives our supporters the opportunity to reach out to their friends and family, get out in the fresh air and raise vital funds to enable our life-saving veteran support programmes reach more of those who need it.” Walking Home For Christmas encourages the public to get out of their comfort zones and embark on a meaningful walk to show their support for Britain’s veterans. The campaign takes place from Saturday, December 9th, to Wednesday, December 20th. Walkers from previous years have dedicated their walks to loved ones who have been in or have fallen serving our country, have walked to a war memorial, run errands for friends and family or supported their local community. Many Norfolk businesses have participated in the festive campaign, including long-term WWTW supporters Birketts. Jonathan Agar, CEO of Birketts, commented: “I’m extremely proud that Birketts is once again supporting this initiative. Donating to Walking With The Wounded directly supports the most vulnerable ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen in our community, helping to get those who have given everything to their country in to the employment, accommodation and mental health care programmes that will restore their independence.” Funds raised from Walking Home For Christmas will be used to support veterans like Martin, who served in Iraq with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. When Martin received a court martial, his mental health and whole family suffered. Martin’s court case lasted for three and a half years and gained high profile media attention. Even though Martin was finally cleared of all charges, the publicity put incredible strain on Martin and his family. Without knowing it, Martin was suffering from depression, anxiety and PTSD, using alcohol and drugs to help manage his emotions. Eventually, no longer able to deal with his PTSD symptoms, Martin was hospitalised, and put on medication. Through his GP, Martin was referred to WWTW and began working with their Head Start mental health programme. While Martin will never be entirely free from the impact of PTSD, he is learning how to cope with his thoughts and emotions. He said: “The mental health support team at WWTW gave me the help that I needed, and they were phenomenal. Carolyn at Head Start was incredible and so supportive. I always knew that if i ever needed her, she was at the end of the phone and ready to speak to me”. WWTW are organising a Norwich walk on Wednesday 6th December, starting at 16:00 from The Forum and lasting around 4 miles. For those interested in taking part in the Norwich walk, they should contact: [email protected] To sign up and take part in Walking Home For Christmas, please visit: www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com
