A Sutton Coldfield man has credited his membership at the local Bannatyne health club with giving him the confidence to attend the UK Invictus Games training camp and trials.

Simon Johnson, 54, was offered the opportunity to join the health club after Duncan Bannatyne  offered hundreds of free memberships for veterans with PTSD, with every one of his 72 health clubs taking part.

Simon, who is now self-employed, served for nearly 24 years in the Royal Air Force and issues from his service, particularly a tour of Afghanistan in 2006 affected his confidence and caused stress and anxiety, eventually diagnosed as PTSD.

Through his GP, Birmingham NHS Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) and the charity Walking With The Wounded, Simon has accessed counselling, which is helping with his mental health.

Simon has raised more than £16,000 for Walking With the Wounded over the last four years and is currently walking a virtual journey from Afghanistan to the National Memorial Arboretum, more than 3,600 miles which he hopes to complete on 23rd December as part of the charity’s Walking Home For Christmas event.

Recently Simon joined two other veterans and campaign ambassadors, including Wayne Bridge and two leading actors from Sam Mendes’ new film 1917- George MacKay and Dean Charles Chapman to launch the 2019 fundraising.

He has also completed the Cumbrian Challenge, walking the tougher route of 32.5 miles, which Simon says is “one of the most demanding physical challenges I have done for a long time.”

In December Simon is taking part in the British Rowing Indoor Championships in London on 7/12 with a Help for Heroes team.

Simon said: “Facing the fact that I have mental health concerns was a big issue as I did not want to admit I had problems or show weakness, and there was a part that was survivor’s guilt.

“The counselling is very positive and through fitness I have a far greater positivity and outlook.  I am able to use the gym during quieter periods to reduce anxiety levels and with the support of the staff there have seen tangible results in my health and wellbeing over the last few months.  My family has seen the benefits of using the gym in my personality and behaviours.

“The Invictus trials were just amazing.  At the training camp I chose to concentrate on archery, indoor rowing, cycling and sitting volleyball, all sports I had never participated in before.  Being back amongst veterans and serving personnel who had either visible or non-visible wounds participating in sports, either as an individual or part of a team was an uplifting experience.

“Although I didn’t make the final team, the Invictus spirit is so important and being with people who understand your issues and are just there to help and support each other.

“Without the opportunity provided by Duncan, it is unlikely I would have been so well prepared or even had the confidence to have attended the training camps or UK Trials.  Using the fantastic gym facilities and the support of the team there has been exceptionally helpful, the benefits of exercise and setting personal goals is important.

“Duncan’s generosity in giving access to veterans with PTSD at each of his health clubs across the country is an incredible gesture. I know my place has helped me so much in building up my mental strength and resilience and I intend to use the facilities to the full and hopefully this will lead to selection for the Invictus Games, Which would be a tremendous thank you for the trust that Duncan has placed on supporting veterans.”

Duncan, 70, told the Sunday People when he launched his offer: “I truly believe our armed forces are the best in the world. I think they do an amazing job and the bravery that comes with doing the job they do is outstanding.

“If I can help in a small way such as giving a free membership to help combat PTSD, then I am more than happy to do that.  It is something that is very dear to me.”

Duncan’s dad William endured three-and-a-half years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in the Second World War and was starving to death before ­liberation in 1945.

William, an infantryman in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, had been captured while fighting Japan’s invasion of Malaya and Singapore in 1942.

Duncan said: “My father was somebody who did not really talk about his time as PoW. However, over the years I did get bits out of him and when I hear what he endured it makes me so proud to have seen how brave he was.”

Duncan’s military background is one of the reasons he feels strongly about the plight of troops with PTSD.

Simon’s story and fundraising details can be found here

https://www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com/users/simon-johnson-2