Below is a selection of testimonials from veterans that have attended previous expeditions with VetRun180.  It is always great for us to hear the positive impact our expeditions make to the injured veterans.

I had a preconception of turning up for the trip that I had been on.

Aprihention and anxious of spending 11 days out of my safe space and comfort zone of my little bubble at home. Was put at ease from minute dot.

The group of lads and the TL had put me at ease because we were all in the same boat.

Story's were shared and experiences that I thought only I had gone through were quickly thrown out the window, as most of the benifieries have/had or are going through the same circumstances as I am.

To be around a group of like minded individuals has opened my eyes to "you are not alone on your journey" and that would never of happened without Vetrun180.

I can honestly say that the purpose and mantra of VetRun180 has and will continue to save lives of our broken and forgotten veterans.

If it doesn't challenge you , it "most certainly" won't change you.

And this was proved and tested on many occasions over the 11 days, all for the better.

So a personal thank you to the TL and the rest of the guys and VetRun180.

Jay.

Jay - VetRun180 - Beneficiary - Portugal 07/23

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.

Lee - VetRun180 Beneficiary Sweden 03/22

We arrived at the airport and I already felt like I was somewhere I belonged again, unrestrained in my comments, listened too & valued, then the group got bigger and better and before I knew it the team had fully assembled and the trip to Luleä in the Swedish Lapland began.

Arriving at the hotel late in the evening, it was a case of, head down see ya in the AM.

Breakfast done & onto the transport that took us out to the edge of the frozen Bothnian Sea. We met our guide that would take us to the Artic Circle. He can only be described as the Swedish Austin Powers, a truly amazing person & cue 6 days of pure entertainment, “Do I make you horny baby..do I? etc rained out across the terrain (I laughed so much on this trip I almost regained a six pack!).

The challenge itself was so hard at times, such low temps coupled my knee & back injuries was tough. 6-7 hours a day, through snowstorms & forests!

No matter how hard it got or any incidents that we encountered with people falling off in 5ft of snow, snowmobiles getting stuck, collecting water, cooking meals, making fires to keep us warm every night.

Despite all this the one thing that not one single person on the trip has lost is the ability to come together when needed, build a lifelong bond, help, support and listen when it’s needed.
The most amazing group of people who, have the most challenging physical & mental life changing injuries, who just got on with it.

I achieved more personally from spending the most challenging and rewarding 6 days in Swedish Lapland with Ross, Ben, Mac, Billy, Sam, Pez, Johnny & Lee than I have for many years, I left feeling rejuvenated and ready to challenge myself again in the world and life I live in and for that I will be eternally grateful to VetRun180.

Andy - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

I was very fortunate to get involved with VetRun180 through one of my friends who had been on a couple of trips prior to my involvement. I was very lucky to go to Scotland in 2021 with the charity in one of their adapted hand controlled Land Rovers which was epic!

We drove from the East coast to the West coast over some of the most remote and tough terrain you could imagine.

A couple months later I was asked if I would like to go to Sweden snowmobiling and try a team leader role. I jumped at the opportunity!! Sweden is one of the best countries I have ever visited. The trip was very challenging for myself but the team helped and supported me when I needed it.

I was with a great bunch of like minded individuals, it was awesome to be back operating in a team environment, amazing to be outdoors in the wilderness, the country was beautiful, the guides were fantastic, food was amazing & the accommodation was perfect (hunting lodges).

Its really nice to be able to participate in these types of ”Adventure Therapy" expeditions and challenge yourself, developing new skills and putting yourself in new situations you never thought you’d be in.
I am very grateful to be a part of the team and now I am helping other veterans with changing their lives for the better and enabling them to also have positive views on life.

Thank you VetRun180 for everything you have and are doing for the UK WIS community.

Ben - VetRun180 - Team Leader - Beneficiary

I have attended 2 Vetrun expeditions, which have been excellent and very well organised. After being inured in Afghanistan they have given me a sense of community, which I know that I contact at anytime if I’m in need. The expeditions have given me a confidence and sense of well being that I haven’t had since leaving the military, this confidence has transferred over to my home and work life and has made a massive difference to me and my family. Overall I would recommend Vetrun to any Veteran who wants a brilliant support network whilst undertaking challenging, well organised expeditions with great Vetrun staff and veterans. I can say without doubt that Vetrun has changed my life for the better after struggling with being discharged from the Royal Marines.

Joe - Royal Marines

When I first told a work colleague that I was thinking about applying for the VetRun Sweden expedition, I was extremely apprehensive to go as I had just started a new job and was settling into a new routine. However, they were able to convince me to apply and I am so glad that I did.

The VetRun Sweden expedition challenged me to overcome my self doubt. It was through the immense challenges that we faced each day that allowed me to see what I am capable of achieving. At the end of each day, due to the ground we covered and the physical and mental obstacles we all faced, I felt an enormous sense of achievement. When we parked up for the last time for our final group photo, I was filled with mixed emotions as the trip had come to an end.

The Sweden trip has reinvigorated my self worth and improved my confidence through the challenges we faced as a team to reach the finish line. This trip superseded all of my expectations. I urge anyone to give these expeditions a go. It really does work.

I will forever be thankful for the hard work of the Team Leaders Ross and Joe, our guide Thomas and equally the other beneficiaries on the trip. Their endless support, banter and morale filled dits helped me get to the end of this once in a lifetime experience.

Matt - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

Matt

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.

Mark - VetRun180 - Beneficiary

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!

Andrew - VetRun180 - Beneficiary - Portugal 06/23

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.

Rob - Royal Artillery

I found out about VetRun180 through a former beneficiary who had been on one of the Sweden trips. I cannot give high enough praise to all the TLs and benefactors for what they have put together. This trip has had such an immediate impact on my mental health, and hopefully will be the catalyst for long term change.
A fantastic trip with an awesome group of individuals. It will challenge you, and if you let it, it will change you!

Mick - VetRun180 - Beneficiary - Portugal 07/23