Andrew Graham has been busy supporting Combat Stress by climbing Pen y Fan, not just once, but EIGHT times so far! An incredible effort, considering he was injured during the first lap, an injury that has since been confirmed as a hairline fracture of the Tibial Tubercle. Andrew had aimed to climb the highest peak in South Wales ten times, and therefore will return to complete this incredible feat, once he has recovered from injury.
Andrew posted the following update on his Facebook page after completing the eight laps:
“Massive respect and thanks to Mick Kennish-Ward for all his medical and nutrition support and for always giving selfless assistance, huge thanks to Phil Parkes for his banter and giving up a weekend to help me tackle Pen Y Fan.
“Jimmy Graham and Sarah Graham for making my weekend special. Sten Harrison for doing some laps with me, Tracy Kennish-Ward for her positive ever presence. Paul Flaherty for driving from Swindon to be there today (great to see you buddy) and to all those amazing friends and family who have donated and listened to my wittering on over the last few months”
“Legends, each and every one of you! Suspected chipped bone under left knee right at the end of lap 1 – usual heart monitor issues. Pushed another 7 laps out but felt it more and more – completed 8 in just under 12 hours. I’ll finish it another day – now for an X-Ray!”
A post on Andrew’s JustGiving site says:
“When I was given 3 months to live in 2002, due to Cancer I flippantly told my Consultant – ‘Let’s crack on with whatever needs to happen, this isn’t my greatest challenge!’ Those that know, those that suffer and those that live with the effects of mental health issues, will understand!
“Combat Stress are the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For over a century, they’ve helped former servicemen and women deal with trauma-related mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).They’re on a mission to raise awareness that invisible injuries can be just as hard to cope with as physical ones. So when a veteran is having a tough time, they’re there to help them tackle the past and take on the future.
“As a sufferer of CPTSD (it never goes away) and Cancer Survivor, I am now fit enough and fortunate enough to cope with my challenges – I will do whatever I can to help others, in less fortunate positions. Combat Stress takes you to dark places – I hope to be able to brighten someone’s day by raising funds and awareness.
“Help me, help those, that now suffer because they chose to help us!
“Any little donation is incredibly welcomed.”
Andrew Graham is fundraising for Combat Stress (justgiving.com)
