John Boe, Royal Air Force Police of the Tactical Provost Wing, was medically discharged from the armed forces due to a career ending diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

After multiple operational tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan John started to battle with the debilitating symptoms of PTSD. The intense flashbacks, nightmares and hyper-vigilance that led to fatigue, loss of confidence and depression. His PTSD was impacting every element of his life.

John was put in contact with SWV as an avenue for further help, to get his life back on track. He battled his symptoms to attend the 2015 Ski Week where he received support, met fellow veterans and was then able to access the further help and programmes on offer from SWV.

Building on the help and support received from the SWV community John has gone on to retrain and consequently start his own thriving business. John now teaches Bushcraft and Wilderness Living Skills, as well as leading canoe expeditions with his own company Wildway Bushcraft.

Working for himself allows John better control over managing his own health. His health is also greatly helped by working outside, immersing himself in nature, and thriving when in the woodland environment or out on the rivers in his canoe.

John is also an Ambassador for SWV, as well as having been a Vet Rep, then a returning Buddy on the 2022 & 2023 Ski Weeks, using his experience to help other veterans to manage their health and see a brighter future.

When asked his thoughts on SWV he said: “I am completely blown away by the support and help I have received. There are lots of charities claiming to help but these guys really go the extra mile. Nothing has been too much trouble for them and I feel like they are now friends as well as a charity. Without these awesome people I dread to think where I would be. They have helped on a practical level and an emotional level and they really do care, it’s extremely humbling. I can’t thank them enough.”