DAVID ADAMSAircraft Technician

David spent 13 years as an aircraft technician in the REME, serving in the UK, Afghanistan, Cyprus and Oman. Whilst he was serving in Afghanistan, David experienced traumatic events which led to a diagnosis of PTSD and eventual medical discharge. Since leaving the Armed Forces, David has received mental health support and therapy and has now secured full-time employment in the Insurance industry.

"My main reasoning for joining the Walk of Oman is the good that WWTW do for the Armed Forces community in both mental and physical health. I myself have benefitted directly and anything I can do to further aid the cause of WWTW, I will. It will also provide an opportunity to broaden the awareness of the ongoing problem with PTSD in the veteran and serving community – hopefully to drive change in the level of support available to the military community following, or prior to, discharge from the Armed Forces."

ANDREW PHILLIPSArmourer

Having served in the Royal Air Force from 1983 – 1993 as a Junior Technician, Andrew was injured in the build-up to the Gulf War and eventually received a medical discharge due to a spinal cord injury. Struggling with the transition from military to civilian life, he became involved in the Invictus Games which helped him regain focus and a positive outlook on life.

"I found the transition to civilian life incredibly difficult, especially without any support. Since getting involved with the Invictus Games, I now have the family back that I lost when I was medically discharged.

I need to focus on achieving something and that, at the moment, is missing in my life. I really think the WWTW Oman expedition will give me that drive back."

BEN GALLAGHER 

Having served in the Royal Signals since 2005, Ben is currently awaiting medical discharge from the Armed Forces. He will replace Ash Winter who has had to step back from the core walking group due to an injury.

"Walking With The Wounded amongst many other amazing organisations as well as friends and family have helped towards making my transition from a life in the military to a life on civvy street much easier. I still have difficulties thinking how I will move on and what I will find myself doing next, but I’m hopeful about my future. The Grenadier Walk of Oman is something I’m really looking forward to being part of.

BEN McCOMB

Ben joined the Army Reserves in October 2005 and served as a Private Solider until 2011, during which time he was selected for officer training. In 2011, he commenced regular officer training at RMAS and commissioned into the Royal Artillery. Ben has neural impingement and nerve damage in his lower limbs which is incurable. However, his condition is stable due to continuous self-rehabilitation management.

"I'm still serving in the army. Being injured doesn’t mean I am physically incapable of anything else. Taking on the Walk of Oman is a fantastic way to prove this, to both myself and the world! I will be representing every other serving injured soldier and demonstrating what they can still achieve if they put their minds to it.

I know many people who have been supported by WWTW, the charity has helped friends get their lives back on track. It is an incredibly important cause and one close to my heart."

SEAN GANEInfantryman

Joining the Armed Forces in 1986 as an Infantryman, Sean served for 12 years between ’86 and 2014, leaving and later re-joining. He served on operational tours including Afghanistan and served his last tour in 2009. It was during this last tour Sean witnessed many traumatic events and was later diagnosed with PTSD and hearing and nerve damage. He was medically discharged in 2014.

"When I was medically discharged from the Armed Forces I was pretty angry and as things went on, I became more disenchanted. I was bounced between Ministry of Defence and NHS for a couple of years. I eventually received support from a Military charity and even secured employment with them.

I'm incredibly excited about heading off to Oman. I love being outdoors and I’m looking forward to taking on the desert with a group of like-minded people, all whilst raising awareness of the incredible work WWTW does.

I know many people who have been supported by WWTW. The charity has helped friends get their lives back on track. It is an incredibly important cause and one close to my heart."

BRIAN O'NEILLStaff Sergeant

Brian joined the Armed Forces in 1990 aged 17 and served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Royal Military Police and Military Provost Staff Regiment. Brian served in 7 operational tours including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant during his 26 years of serving in the Armed Forces. He found the transition from military to civilian life exceptionally difficult.

"I never underestimated the transition from Military to Civvy life, in fact I thought I prepared quite well, I gained a Degree in order to enhance my employment prospects, I secured accommodation for my family and I was offered my first Civvy job even before I left the Military.

It was really quite strange starting work, I was made to feel welcome and I tried to fit in, however I felt like a banana at an apple party. It’s hard to explain, no familiar uniform, no feeling of real camaraderie and familiar faces that you knew you could depend upon, no matter what were no longer there.

I'm taking part in the Walk of Oman because I want to get that “buzz of a challenge” feeling again. I want to demonstrate courage, resilience and determination with fellow veterans who speak the same language and be part of a team."