Tim's solo cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats for PTSD UK
Tim Smith from Walthamstow, London is cycling solo and unsupported from Land’s End to John O’ Groats this weekend to help raise awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and fundraise for PTSD UK.
37-year-old Tim, who is Head of Thought Leadership and Analysis at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, was diagnosed with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) 5 years ago, after his childhood was dominated by physical, mental and sexual abuse by his alcoholic parents.
Complex PTSD is a condition which some people develop after experiencing multiple, sustained or repeated traumas such as physical health issues, events experienced in employment where you repeatedly encounter distressing scenes, military service, childhood abuse, domestic abuse and caring for a loved one with a complex medical condition.
It’s estimated that in any given week in the UK, 4 in 100 people have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which equates to over 2,612,000 people in the UK, yet it’s still an incredibly misunderstood, and still relatively unknown condition.
Tim explains why he decided to do this challenge and support PTSD UK, “I feel there is a real lack of support and understanding of both PTSD and C-PTSD. I want raise awareness of just how prevalent it is and despite the negative connotations that are associated with it that we are people who live normal lives, and like everyone else can do extraordinary things.
It is vital that we raise awareness of PTSD and C-PTSD. 50% of people will experience trauma at some point in their life, and Covid-19 will have undoubtedly caused many people to experience it for the first time or will have exacerbated those that already suffer with the condition. But it is a hidden, complex and misunderstood condition. It is scary for the individual and it is also scary for their families and friends, so ensuring that people are aware of the causes, the symptoms and how to manage it is so so important. I wish I had known about my condition earlier in my life and had been better able to manage and live with it. When I tell people that I have C-PTSD they are shocked and say “wow, I would never have known” and that is the point, we try and hide it through our normal lives, but suffer in silence – that needs to end.
Since I was a child I have always cycled. Cycling has always helped me manage my condition. About 5 years ago I decided that I would like to do Land’s End to John O’Groats. For me it will symbolise my journey with trauma – long, beautiful, hard and unknown.”
Tim’s journey starts on Saturday 27 August at Land’s End and sees him traverse the entire length of Britain without any support crew, up to John O’Groats where he plans to arrive on Thursday 1 September.
Jacqui Suttie, Founder and CEO of PTSD UK added “We’re in awe of all of our supporters and their dedication to the challenges they set themselves – but Tim’s challenge is extraordinary inspiring. Not only does his fundraising help support our mission to support everyone affected by PTSD and C-PTSD, it also lets others with the condition see what is possible, inspire them, and see that there is hope and maybe even set themselves a similar challenge too!”
If you’d like to support Tim to get to his goal of fundraising £5000, you can do so here: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/tims-lejog-2022-for-cptsd
Hello! Did you find this information useful?
Please consider supporting PTSD UK with a donation to enable us to provide more information & resources to help us to support everyone affected by PTSD, no matter the trauma that caused it
PTSD UK Blog
You’ll find up-to-date news, research and information here along with some great tips to ease your PTSD in our blog.
Dealing with PTSD over the holidays
Dealing with PTSD over the holidays Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can cause a whole host of symptoms, which can affect every area of your life, and when this is paired with ‘expectations’ of how you should feel, it can become
Guest Blog – Rod Aungier
The road less travelled and the role of Gestalt therapy – Guest Blog We’ve previously written about benefits of Gestalt Therapy for those with PTSD and C-PTSD. Rod’s personal story in this guest blog sheds light on the transformative power
Dip a Day December Challenge
events | dip a day december PTSD UK’s Dip a Day December Challenge Sign up now PTSD UK’s Dip a day December The challenge It’s no secret that cold water swimming, cold water therapy, focusing on a challenge and simply
Santa in the City Run
PTSD UK Spreads Christmas Cheer with Santa Run Join thousands of Santas on the 6th or 7th of December 2023 at 7:00 pm, in the heart of London for an unforgettable 4.3km festive fun run! Plus, every adult runner is
gestalt therapy
Understanding Gestalt Therapy and its Benefits When it comes to addressing the complicated nature of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD, there are a number of therapeutic approaches available. More recently, Gestalt therapy has emerged as a promising
HGV drivers
Driving Change: Tackling PTSD in HGV drivers Despite the crucial role that the UK’s Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driving industry plays in keeping the nation’s supply chain moving, many HGV drivers are experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and
PTSD UK Supporters Store
Treatments for PTSD
It is possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help. For some, the first step may be watchful waiting, then exploring therapeutic options such as individual or group therapy – but the main treatment options in the UK are psychological treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting and understanding your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD. You can find out more in the links below, or here.