We are lucky to help many incredible Veterans, those who inspire and humble us all. And one such Veteran is Steve Reynolds. All round great guy, inspirational, motivating and SWV Ambassador.
Let's start at the beginning...and I can guarantee that Steve's journey, and the incredible challenge that he has just completed will inspire us all.
Steve joined the Army in 2000, commissioning into the REME after graduating Sandhurst in December 2000. In 2011, Steve suffered life changing injuries while serving in Afghanistan, leaving him with permanent mobility issues and PTSD and resulted in his medical discharge in 2014.
“My identity as an Army Officer was hugely important to me as it represented all of the values of integrity and service that I felt defined who I was. During the first few years after I left I was living in denial, just trying to hide my injuries from anyone because I felt such a huge sense of shame about no longer able to be that man. I was lost, and eventually ended up suicidal and hospitalised”
Steve attended the Ski-habilitation Week in 2017 and has been working as a Veteran Ambassador since.
“The ski week utterly changed my life. For the first time since leaving the Army I felt like I belonged to something bigger than me. It helped me realise I still had worth.”
Since the Ski-habilitation Week Steve has managed to gain full time employment in the Professional Services industry with a leading property consultancy and has been able to adapt to, and learn to manage his injuries.
BUT that is not all!
Steve recently embarked on the most incredible challenge - a challenge that most of us would shy away from, especially with everything that Steve has endured with his physical pain and mental health challenges. But no, Steve tackled this head on!
Last month Steve took on the Mongal 100 - an incredible 100 mile ultra marathon in a remote part of Mongolia, and the route was entirely on the frozen length of lake Khovsghol! Steve combined ice skating and running, along with wilderness camping overnight each night to cover the miles.
He learnt to ice skate specifically for this challenge!
Before the event we asked Steve about the Mongal 100 and why he chose this challenge -
“I’ve chosen this challenge because it genuinely scares me and means I have to confront and overcome my injuries head on. When I left the Army I could barely stand for more than 20 mins and running was impossible. I’m now planning to run and skate 100 miles in -40 degrees temperatures over four days in the Mongolian wilderness, 200 miles from the nearest hospital, with now crowds of spectators to drive me on. It’s just me against my pain and PTSD.”
And Steve certainly tackled this challenge with everything he had, and made it to the finish line - and to add to this incredible achievement Steve raised over £3000 for SWV! Incredible work Steve!
To show your appreciation for Steve’s sterling performance on this incredible challenge, and as he continues to support and inspire other veterans please follow the link below -
https://www.justgiving.com/page/mongol100swv