Points of Light

So, it’s been two months since the successful completion of the Enduro214 and a lot has happened. Unfortunately, Sip's body still hasn’t fully recovered but he is in safe hands with neurology specialists so we won’t dwell on the negatives too much.

Sip has been very fortunate to have travelled down to London three times, firstly as a judge for this years Soldiering on Awards 2023. It was amazing to actually meet so many of the nominees who he had previously read about earlier in the year. It was particularly rewarding to be sat at the same table as Steven Johnson (ex Royal Marine) from RE:ACT who won the Working Together Award. A very special night for him and his family and a privilege to be part of his journey. It was also a great night for Combat Stress who picked up the top award of Lifetime Achievement for the second year on a bounce. Well done Khumi Burton, very well deserved.

The second trip was to deliver a presentation at Patron Capital kindly hosted by the CEO Keith Breslauer as part of their Greatness Lecture series. We were joined by business representatives and the hierarchy from Combat Stress who had just finished their AGM. It was a very nervous time for Sip after weeks of preparation, but the emotional and hard-hitting presentation was gratefully appreciated by all in attendance. Hopefully it will lead to more guest speaker presentations to assist everyone to understand the work of Combat Stress and the difficulties veterans can face and their resilience to overcome mental health issues.

Finally, the third trip was an invite by the Office of Veterans Affairs to attend a function within the Houses of Parliament. Unbeknown to Sip, he had been nominated for the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award which was presented to him on the night by the Minister for Veteran Affairs Johnny Mercer. Sip was joined by the CEO and 2IC of Combat Stress who shared in the celebration. Sip commented afterwards: "I am deeply humbled to receive this award. The work we do at ‘Combat Stress’ is to support all our veterans who are struggling with their mental health. When I completed both the Enduro7 and Enduro214 we hoped it would inspire and help others, we had no idea it would be recognised in such an amazing way by the Prime Minister."

Sip also had the opportunity to speak to a number of reporters and radios stations to share his story after completing the event. Even though the Enduro214 is over, the support to veterans must continue. From completing the event to writing this final blog, tragically another 3 service personnel have taken their own lives. This has to end.