VETERANS have shown their solidarity for sufferers of post traumatic stress disorder with a push up challenge that has found support from around the world.

Former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) soldier Ben Mead led the 22 Push Up Challenge at Phoenix House today (Monday) with around 20 fellow wounded personnel and veterans, as well as staff from the Help for Heroes recovery centre.

Phoenix House is this week hosting the Phoenix Games, a tournament testing strength, endurance and fitness, and has attracted veterans from four Help for Heroes recovery centres in the UK - Tedworth House in Wiltshire, Plymouth’s Parker VC House and Chavasse VC House in Colchester.

They are being put through their paces in a variety of activities, including raft building, seated volleyball, wheelchair rugby, archery and swimming.

Mr Mead, who is part of the Chavasse VC House team but who regularly uses Phoenix House throughout the year for its therapeutic sports courses, is taking part in the 22 Push Up Challenge after being inspired to highlight a report that 22 US veterans take their own lives every day.

The challenge involves completing 22 push ups every day for 22 days – and Mr Mead, on day eight, said it was a tough challenge but for an important cause.

“I first heard about it through a friend on Facebook who was taking part in the challenge, and he nominated me,” he said.

“When I found out more I discovered it had started in the US to raise awareness of the suicide rate of veterans and service personnel through mental illness and PTSD.

“As I was coming to Phoenix House for the Games I thought it would be a good way to spread the word further – and everyone was really keen to get involved.”

Rob Hood, supported activities manager at Phoenix House, said: “When we found out that Ben would be continuing with his 22 Push Up Challenge while in Catterick this week, we thought it would be a great idea to encourage as many other Phoenix Games athletes to join him– and many did.

“It created good camaraderie among the teams from the four Help for Heroes recovery centres while showing support for Ben. Those unable to do push ups were still there to cheer him on.”

Veterans who think they may be experiencing mental health problems can get in touch with the Help for Heroes Hidden Wounds programme, a psychological wellbeing service for veterans and military families who struggle with worry, stress, low mood, anger or alcohol.

The Catterick Garrison Hidden Wounds team can be contacted from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808-2020-144, which is free from UK landlines, hidden.wounds@helpforheroes.org.uk or www.helpforheroes.org.uk/hidden-wounds.