Testimonials

Throughout the week being in a vehicle for numerous hours and doubling up with people you get to chat about various scenarios and other people’s experiences are similar to yours at times, and lets you share your stories too.
On a whole the trip was very enjoyable, and at times some of the driving was demanding, down to weather conditions being wet, but not too demanding. I personally had a great week away and met some new friends, and since I’ve been back home it’s made me more focused and look at life in a more positive way, with the help of people I’ve met and the experience during the week at Vetrun180.

Where to start with what can only be described as a dream , the amount of memories, fantastic moments and experiences condensed into 7 days is something I never thought possible , a whole lap of Portugal , from the highest peak or Torre to the clear waters and crashing waves of Nazare the in the Atlantic Ocean home to the greatest surfers in the world , as a keen surfer myself this place to me was so meaningful and will forever echo in my memories .

We traveled across green pastures and flat lands of rice fields spotting stalks and a mongoose to almost desert like conditions inches to the borders of Spain where fire ants would prove that no obstacle is too small for them to overcome.

The group were extremely enthusiastic, friendly and hospitable along with the DS team who were very well organised , experienced , well mannered and professional .

What an honour and a distinct privilege to spend share this time with each and every one of these amazing individuals who came together as strangers and are now leaving as friends and brothers .

Huge thank you to VetRun, beneficiaries ,DS and those hard at work behind the scenes who are hard at work making a difference, changing the perspectives attitudes to on a path to a better life.

It was a challenge and it certainly did make a change ❤️

Drew - VetRun180 Chef - Beneficiary

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

I found the LANTRA course very useful, and the 1st Aid course is always useful to anyone, and a vital skill to have refreshed periodically. I found the groups of Veterans to be a bunch of guys who truly worked together , mucking in and cracking routines to keep everything on track, it gave us all a sense of purpose and I came away with a nice afterglow , that I had gone out of my comfort zone of Apathy that can often overwhelm me, into a feeling of rekindled self worth. I didn't believe a week driving a 4x4 would give me such a buzz , but its good medicine and the Dits and general camaraderie were priceless. Thank you to all the people behind the scenes that made this trip possible.

Without sounding dramatic, VetRun has saved my life twice!

You really won’t understand what it has done for me. I’ve gone from a crying bumbling mess back in October to me seeing the invincibility I once had.

Looking at the blokes from afar, I saw it in them too!

I have come home with a sense of achievement, totally knackered, but with a clear head and a feeling of belonging. Whilst the driving is challenging, at times hard graft and very enjoyable, it is the evenings, sat around a fire or under an awning chewing the fat with people who get you that also really helps.

Vetrun180 are delivering an excellent opportunity for former service personnel from a wide spectrum of conflicts to do something which harps back to their former life in the military. Challenge, team work, living outdoors and having a good laugh. Great trip in good company.

Not really sure how I can describe the experience that VETRUN180 provide.

I have literally spent years trying different things but concept of Adventure Therapy works and I mean it really works. I’ve been blown away on this trip by the views, locations, dedication, commitment, challenges that we faced, overcoming barriers that may have stopped us and life changing decisions for some!

Absolutely bloody brilliant! I cannot wait to give back!

Andy - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

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

Vetrun put me in an environment where I was uncomfortable and felt socially isolated and way out of my comfort zone...the pain was bad the headaches hourly I was nauseous and feeling ill...horrendous leap to be involved...however with a bit of trust and my own little efforts and I mean little.

The whole expedition became one amazing opportunity and experience, with each day I had to pinch myself, not just at the driving experience, but of the way I was able to appreciate what was around me. The travel, vehicles and some of the people I was with. Many negative triggers and emotions where flipped into positive emotions. Quite overwhelming in a good way. Very rewarding personally, from the small effort I was giving... I became more confident in the group and also was able to use lost skills in and around the vehicles.

It was so beneficial to be around other guys that suffer with PTSD as it made it easier for me to open up and speak about my problems. It took a few days for this to kick in but all of us being in the same boat and sharing cooking etc made it seamless. Listening to a lot of the others that have been veterans a while has opened my eyes and made me realize that there are a lot more of us out there that struggle with PTSD or struggle with other injuries.

The trip has also increased my network of brothers and I will be in contact with some of the guys over the next few months sharing experience and being an ear if needed.

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