CHARITY SUMMIT FOR SUPPORT


Determined detective set to climb UK’s three largest mountains for life-saving PTSD charity


accumulation of stress and trauma can take its toll, causing a dripping tap effect of individual experiences resulting in catastrophic cumulative impact, with comparable levels of traumatic illness to the military. Founded in 2015 by friends Gary Hayes and Simon Durance, both of whom served within the Military and Public Sector and have PTSD, PTSD99 was created to fill the critical gap in support for frontline workers. Over the last decade, they’ve helped thousands through therapy, education, and advocacy. They don’t just help individuals cope—


A retired detective constable from Greater Manchester Police is raising funds for a charity which helped save the life of his wife with PTSD. Antony Hope is gearing up for the Three


Peaks Challenge in support of PTSD999, which helps emergency service personnel rebuild their lives through specialised care, with tailored programmes that focus on recovery and resilience. Aiming to raise £5,000 for the charity close to his heart, he is now training to summit the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales (Ben


everything for others, often at the cost of their own mental wellbeing. But they can’t continue without us. “I felt it was right to do something for this charity that helped both of us through this awful condition. Sadly, my wife had to leave the service due to the condition, but


“The effects are life changing,


they help them heal, rebuild relationships, and even return to work or transition into civilian life. However, like many small charities,


often fatal through suicide, and affect not only the person suffering, but their family, friends and colleagues.”


Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon), one after another within 24 hours – totalling an incredible 10,052 feet. Antony said: “Having been a carer for my wife suffering complex PTSD as a result of their involvement with police work, I’m acutely aware of the devastating effects of this very misunderstood condition. The effects are life changing, often fatal through suicide, and affect not only the person suffering, but their family, friends and colleagues. “I can say with certainty that PTSD999 saves lives. It supports those who give


52 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2025


it is without doubt PTSD999 saved her life, and my sanity.”


While most civilians experience a handful of traumatic events in their lives, frontline workers often endure hundreds. Unlike the general population, these aren’t isolated experiences—they’re a never-ending tide of trauma, processed without pause. Police officers could see 400-600 traumatic events during an average career, contrasted with the three to four serious events typically thought to be experienced by civilians. This


PTSD999 is now in desperate need of funding. Donations have dropped at a time when the need has never been greater. The counselling arm of their service—arguably the most vital—is at risk. This isn’t just a funding shortfall; it’s a potential loss of life-saving support. “It’s a vital charity,” continued


Antony. “There has to be someone looking out for those that fall through the cracks,


and PTSD999, from my own experience, manage to do it brilliantly. “Each donation to our Three Peaks Challenge is massively appreciated. For the price of a pint, even if it was just the police who all contributed, the amount of money raised would make such a huge difference.”


To donate, visit Antony’s JustGiving page here.


Visit www.ptsd-999.com to learn more about available support and access educational resources.


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