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We’re back online

Yeah- finally after website being hacked we’re back online.  Lots of exciting things happening behind the scenes – so watch this space!

Skydive – Cathy

June 30th 2016

Cathy’s SkyDive – raising funds for the Garrison Girls.

Wow what an amazing day.

So I jumped from 15,000ft above ground, over 16,000ft above sea level and by heck, it’s a long way down. Freefall for about a minute at (I’m told) 140mph – if you look closely at the pictures you’ll see the skin being dragged up my cheeks – very glam! We had a lot of waiting around for the weather to clear but it was worth it. 7 hours of waiting for 7 minutes back to earth from 3 miles high. For me the best bit was actually jumping out of the plane and going upside down – and steering the parachute was pretty cool too.

The instructors at skydive buzz were great and really knew their stuff, a proper professional outfit as they say. If you have ever wondered about doing a skydive I would say go for it. I’m so glad I did. And if you can raise some money for Garrison Girls while you are at it, then what’s stopping you?

Cx

 

 

 

SKYDIVE

SKYDIVE JUNE 2016

Finally after an 8 hour delay Cathy Steger-Lewis and Karen Nisbet jumped 15,000ft ! Huge thank you to SkyDive UK for looking after our two fabulous fundraisers. They both had an amazing day and Karen has already re-booked to jump again!

We still have spaces in the World Record attempt on the 22nd August. World record attempt for most tandem skydives in 24hrs! 15,000ft is highest in UK you can jump.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you fancy doing it too? Contact sarah@garrisongirls.com for an info pack.

 

A SOLDIER WITH PTSD FELL IN A HOLE

23/02/2016

A SOLDIER WITH PTSD FELL IN A HOLE and couldn’t get out. A Senior NCO went by and the Soldier with PTSD called out for help. The Senior NCO yelled at, told him to suck it up dig deep & drive on, then threw him a shovel. But the Soldier with PTSD could not suck it up and drive on so he dug the hole deeper. A Senior Officer went by and the Soldier with PTSD called out for help. The Senior Officer told him to use the tools your Senior NCO has given you then threw him a bucket. But the Soldier with PTSD was using the tools his Senior NCO gave him so he dug the hole deeper and filled the bucket.

Coastal Walk – Day 15

15/02/2016

Behind the scenes yesterday, while the Veterans were celebrating arriving in Bournemouth, the support caravan was involved in a accident.  The handbrake failed and the caravan rolled back causing damage and got stuck. Thankfully everyone was OK – although shaken up.

The caravan was towed out so they could wait for Steve – Caravan Medic to assess damage today. Great news and damage isn’t as bad as first thought. With Steve’s amazing work – its back on the road. Huge thank you.

So with the cold winter sunshine the Veterans left Bournemouth Pier and crossed over to Hampshire.

Arriving at the stunning Beaulieu -day 15 completed.  Thank you Beaulieu for a wonderful welcome.

Now after walking into their 5th County, the Veterans have been looked after by Rachel and her fabulous team at the Smugglers Inn

Huge thank you for donating meals.

 

Coastal Walk – Day 13

13/02/2016

13 days and the Veterans arrive to be welcomed by The Worshipful The Mayor & Mayoress of Bournemouth, Councillor John Adams JP & Mrs Adams.

Home town for one Veteran so extra special. Celebrations courtesy of Emma and Rob at the Queens Park Hotel.

Drinks and relaxing for everyone tonight and totally well deserved rest day tomorrow!

Huge thank you to Lee Pollitt for raising money for Garrison Girls and Dan Craig of The Barbers for shaving Lees beard off!

Two weeks in and nearly 10 marathons completed in distance walking!!!!

Outstanding and so worthy of sponsoring these Veterans on their challenge.

Thank you

Why we do what we do…

12/02/2016

Every Soldier has a story and so does every Wife. Both lived the same lives but with very different experiences. Forces life is unique and after meeting up with two old friends this last week, it reminded me of the unique friendships you create. We hadn’t seen each other in over 10 years but it felt like it had only been a few weeks. Those friendships are what give you strength- and sometimes sanity to deal with the nature of military life. Sometimes the hardship has led to needing more friends around you and that is what drives us to do what we do.

We’ve got two very different stories from Forces wives with yet some huge similarities. For me its the strength these women have- even without knowing or feeling it. Every case has different needs but by being able to give some support in whatever way we can helps families face their battles. Please click here and support us to be able to do this more.

I’m starting at the end. Three years down the line from the start of operation self preservation.
PTSD doesn’t only effect one person, it’s like dropping a pebble in a pond, and the ripples spread far and wide. As those closest to the person with this insidious condition we bear the brunt.

I was married for 15 years. It took ten years to discover why he behaved the way he did. Ten years of drinking, ten years of fights, ten years of hiding his behaviour. I’m from a generation before Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m from a generation of the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Kuwait and Bosnia, PTSD was barely even heard of.

I met Him a few days after he returned from his third tour of Bosnia. He was separated from his wife, had a daughter the same age as mine, was utterly charming, handsome and devoted to his wee girl. I fell hook, line and sinker.

Soon we were inseparable. I had noticed the drinking, but it was never a major problem and as the girls were little it didn’t affect them. He really was a great dad and I believe in credit where it’s due. A year later we were married and Just weeks before the wedding he left the Army. He didn’t tell me why, we never talked about it, he wouldn’t.

Life gradually started to change. The drinking became an every day occurrence. He’d head straight to the Pub after work, drink wine at home and made any excuse for a party at the weekend. Asking him not to have a drink became taboo. It enraged him and often ended, let’s say, badly……… to read the rest click here

 

 

Coastal Walk – Day 10

10/02/2016

Dorset the Veterans have arrived!! Day 10 and 9 days of walking through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset to reach Dorset!

They’ve covered over 200 miles which is nearly 9 marathons in 9 days- outstanding! They are still smiling, still focused and still inspirational.

Quick pit stop.

And they made it to Dorset.

Huge thank you to Phil at The Market House for feeding the Veterans tonight.

 

 

Coastal Walk – Day 9

09/02/2016

Well today didn’t start as planned – under medic orders David was taken to hospital. Troy and John decided to sit and chill out while David’s swollen ankle was assessed.

With the hospital wanting to X-Ray later, a disappointed David went back to base to ice and rest his ankle. The Veterans have walked Cornwall and nearly Devon which is going to take a strain on even elite athletes. Even with blisters, strains and pain – along with tiredness there’s been no complaints. The only focus is completing the walk and raising much needed funds for Garrison Girls. This strength of character is synonymous with the Armed Forces and these Veterans have shown theirs – outstanding!

Great news the hospital have strapped David’s ankle up and given him the all clear (as long as he takes it easy) to keep going and re-join the walk tomorrow.

If you would like to make a donation please click here.

Thank you.

Coastal Walk – Day 8

08/02/2016

The fable the wind and the sun was a reflection of today’s events. Storm Imogen did her best to batter the Veterans on their walk with winds of up to 70mph!!!

BUT did that stop them? NO! These exceptional Veterans kept going and completed day 8 arriving in Dawlish. Surely that deserves some more support and donations?  or use our Text donation – see image at the bottom of this post.
Wonderful kindness was shown by Melissa Middleton from the Whistle Stop Cafe at Teignmouth for donating some much needed coffee and cake.

Arriving at base camp for tonight the Veterans were honoured to be greeted by Rocky the Raccoon.

Massive thank you to Lady’s Mile Holiday Park for donating a pitch and meals to our walkers. Much appreciated.

Tomorrow they are en route to Honiton! Lets hope the weather is more forgiving.

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