An Edinburgh born veteran, Brian Wood, who received the Military Cross, will appear on TV tonight on a new Channel 4 documentary.
He will be in the company of three other former members of the armed forces, all providing an insight into mental health and PTSD among many people in the military.
Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival follows the story of UK Special Forces soldier, Jason “Foxy” Fox who previously appeared in SAS: Who Dares Wins, with Scots Aldo Kane, a former Royal Marines Commando sniper and Iraq veteran Karl Hinett, who sustained 37% burns when his Warrior tank was petrol bombed.
All four undertook the Arctic Ultra in March last year to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. The long 18-hour days involved skiing and hiking in minus 25°C while carrying gear weighing around 45 kg. The documentary highlights the men’s past traumas and the struggles which they continue to manage.
The programme is on air on 19 January at 10pm on Channel 4.
Dad of two Aldo, who was raised in Kilwinning in Ayrshire, said: “If Arctic Adventure inspires just one person to open up about their mental health struggles, it will have been worth it.
“With suicide the biggest killer of men under 50, and having lost close friends to suicide myself, I’ve learned the hard way how crucial it is to overcome the stigma that keeps men quiet. It’s vital we break that cycle.”
Edinburgh-born Brian ‘Woody’ Wood added: “The Arctic Ultra was one of the hardest things I’ve done, not just physically but mentally. We’re all affected by mental health challenges, whether we’ve had our own struggles or know people who have suffered, and there’s still so much stigma around talking about it. But it’s so important we do; connecting with others and sharing what we’re going through can literally save lives.”
SSAFA exists to make sure that the Armed Forces community never battle alone. Project Fire and Ice has raised £190,000 for SSAFA to date, helping to fund often life-changing support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families in their time of need.
Julie McCarthy, Director of Welfare Operations at SSAFA, said: “As well as watching four friends struggle against the bracing weather and challenging conditions, it is inspiring to also see four ‘tough guys’ openly talking about personal issues that have affected them and how they have learned to cope.”
Forcesline advisors are available to help with mental health challenges and stress Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4pm(excluding bank holidays) on Freephone 0800 260 6780, or via ssafa.org.uk/get-help/forcesline.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
