The Sussex Newspaper - Great news for a great county!

At the beginning of September 2010 ex Serviceman Eddie Craven left Exeter to walk around the coast of Great Britain to raise money for The Warrior Programme.

The Programme helps serving and ex-service men and women retake control of their lives by addressing the complex challenges faced by those left emotionally scarred by what they have been through. 

Eddie’s story is indicative of many war veterans.  A year ago Eddie Craven was an alcoholic living rough in the woods just outside the city of Exeter. He found himself there as a result of suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following active service in Bosnia while serving with 1st Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

The Royal British Legion, who had been supporting him, put him in touch The Warrior Programme. The three-day course helped to change his life and as a result he is now committed to helping others suffering from similar traumas.
Eddie is currently following the south coast of England on foot as part of his epic 4,000-mile sponsored walk with only a union flag, rucksack, a tent and a couple of mess tins and will be in Hastings on 27th September and will be moving on Folkestone and Dover.

His dream is to raise funds to set up a permanent centre where ex-service men and women can find sanctuary and receive treatment for their condition.  Eddie talks about his inspiration: “I honestly think there should be a centre set up where ex-service personnel could just go and talk and get help. If there were somewhere for sure there wouldn't be so many ex-servicemen and women in this country who are absolutely done in.”

Eva Hamilton MBE, Founding Director, The Warrior Programme, says, “Eddie’s amazing journey is helping to build awareness of The Warrior Programme and how it is about restoring ex-service men and women’s confidence, dignity and self-worth and we hope the public will continue to support him.”

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If you would like to help to make Eddie's dream become a reality there are two ways to donate to Eddie's Journey call 02920 381 904 or go to www.justgiving.com/EddieCraven