Testimonials

Seeing the Vetrun180 charity in operation first hand has being both an honour and inspirational, I am certain there is some things in life I will look at with a different thought process ….

Bringing back many memories of my time serving in the military ,and seeing the group bond and connect as a team has being fabulous to watch
Massive well done to the TL who make this happen keep up the outstanding work KUDOS from me many many thanks

Lee W - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you!

Before I was invited on the expedition, I had lost all hope of ever getting my head right and found myself just wanting it to end. Now after going through this experience and realising that I’m most definitely not on my own and just talking with lads at night around a fire has given me the mental strength and a new lease of life to want to go ahead with some therapy. Not just for me but my family as well so we can grow stronger.

I found myself waiting in the airport for a bunch of lads who I had never met or spoken to before. Almost instantly, when the team all arrived, it just seemed like everyone fell back into the banter and family like team spirit that is so missing in society that only serving or ex serving members will ever truly understand.

The trip was, by far, something that really was needed for myself personally, having the time away with like-minded individuals who can share their own experiences in an amazing setting was a huge, and much needed, reset for me
I was finding things difficult to adjust in civilian life and I found myself getting distant from things that were important.

The trip really helped myself understand that many others are going through the same as me. By being placed in this team brought back a sense of belonging and togetherness and adventure.
Personally, I ticked off many things that were on my bucket list on the trip.

The Arctic Circle, Snowmobiling through the Swedish Lapland, seeing the Northern Lights to name but a few.

I experienced some of the best memories of my life, with some of the most amazing people that I have had the pleasure of spending time with.
Sharing this trip with the highest calibre of people was simply phenomenal.

l owe a lot to the VetRun180 family, you have supported me and I will forever be grateful for what you stand for and what you help others like myself achieve.
Thank you to all the team leaders as you are not only inspirational but a real credit to the charity.

An exceptionally well-planned expedition that really took veterans out of their comfort zones, taking them back to their roots by making them work together as a team. Thoroughly recommended for those needing to reconnect with themselves and start to carve out their future.

When I was MD from the Royal Marines I felt lost and isolated. Part of me which gave me purpose, the drive to challenge and put myself outside my comfort zone which fuelled my passion for adventure, everything that was instilled within me through training, and the time that I had served was gone.

I am really blessed with amazing pals, a phenomenal wife and family. But you can be amongst all these people you love and love you but still feel lost.
I first heard of Vetrun180 through a friend, he conducted the coast to coast UK, he said it was a life changing, and whenever he talked about it is eyes lit up, he gave me a link for VR180 whom I, with trepidation, but with eagerness, contacted.

l was invited to go on the Sweden trip. I knew it would be a unbelievable experience but yet I was still anxious.

The trip to Sweden was amazing, crossing hundreds of kilometres through the snow-covered wilderness of the Boreal Forest with the chance of spotting wildlife, pristine snow fields, climbing mountains to reach amazing viewpoints and appreciate the Artic silence. Sheer exhilarating days, which prepared you for the hearty meals over fires with unbelievable people whom you just met, where we worked as a team, shared stories, listened to each other and had banter on another level.

A massive thank you to the team on the ground which led and looked after us. Joe, Ross, Thomas and Jonny, your passion & energy are unparalleled, generously sharing your time, caring so deeply about the lads & Vetrun180, stepping up regardless of the personal cost and giving a helping hand when needed.

More importantly I would to express my gratitude to Vetrun180, it’s trustees & all of the people that help behind the scenes for the immeasurably valuable work you do for Veterans which gave me the amazing opportunity to go on the expedition and push myself physically and mentally and putting a smile on my face again.

Phil - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

I attended the 22nd-27th Feb exped. When I first arrived at the airport and met everyone it was relaxed and we all clicked. Everything was well planned and stress free, even when we arrived at Sweden.

Every day was different and had its own challenge, I personally enjoyed sleeping in the igloo and will never forget that. Each day the TLs gave us daily and evening briefs and were all over the welfare of the blokes. They constantly made sure we felt ok physically and mentally, they were always available if I had a wobble, needed some reassurance or a hug.

I highly rate this trip and would happily do this again and recommend Vetrun to anyone who needs help. I honestly feel this has helped me clear my head and realise that I am not alone.

Thank you everyone!

Kenny - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you!

Finding VetRun180 has been the best thing to happen to me, the challenges I have overcome and the difference I feel and others see within myself is staggering, I never thought myself capable of achieving what I have during the trip.
Sam - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

I served in the Royal Marines from 1977-1999 since leaving all those years ago, I have slowly been struggling with my mental health.

This came to a head in 2022 when I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and anxiety.

A friend who had been on an expedition with Vetrun180 told be how it had helped him, so I applied not thinking they would pick an old ex bootneck. But they did, so off we set for a weeks snowmobiling in Sweden up in the arctic circle.
I have to say the whole expedition has for me been life changing, I can’t lie I found it both physically and mentally challenging, But that’s just what I needed.
But working back in a team environment with everyone watching each other’s backs has been great. It was also great just to talk and listen to people’s stories and issues, without being judged.

I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I feel more positive and less apprehensive about life and ready to start living again.
A massive heart felt thank you to Ross, Joe, Jonny, Phil, Andy, Scott, Matt, Sam and not for getting Thomas.

I will be eternally grateful.

Karl - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

Well that’s the end of a fantastic week! Before I went away with Vetrun180 I was in a really lonely place, I had pushed my family away and the few friends I had left but now I’ve got ten new friends and looking a head to better times, planning things for the future with a bucket list of thing I want to do, all thanks to Vetrun180 and the great bunch of blokes I went with it! It wasn’t easy to ask for help but I didn’t need to, they just helped me with out asking it was like we were all thinking as one group just like it always was in the force’s things a head look bright for me. Thank you Vetrun180, the trustees, the team leaders, everyone behind the scenes making these trips happen.

Kev - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you!

I'm an ex Royal Marine Commando, and years after leaving the military, I suffered with PTSD and I was in a very dark place, luckily I got help but still wasn't 100% and then I herd of VetRun180 through a friend who was involved with VetRun180.

I got invited to go on an off-road expedition from the east coast to the west coast of Scotland. I said I'd go but as the date came closer I nearly cancelled because I started to get very anxious, but as there moto says "if it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you ", so I still went along.

I'm very glad I did because not only did I meet some great people who are also going through some personal challenges, it helped me relax and enjoy what is actually important in life.

Not only did Vetrun180 help me challenge myself, VetRun180 reminded me that being outdoors and outside your comfort zone is a good thing.

Big thank you to Vetrun180 and everyone involved.