PHIL Armitage, from Henleaze, is taking on a major challenge to help himself adjust to leaving the Army after 23 years.
He plans to spend three months cycling more than 5,000 milers around the UK mainland to raise money for five charities.
Phil joined up at 17 and served in the UK’s Elite Airborne Forces with the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 14 Regiment Royal Artillery and the University Officers Training Corps. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and trained in many different countries around the world.
He said: “It is a scary feeling not knowing what life is going to be like without the lifeline I have had for the past 23 years. Looking back at my career in the Army and life events, it has sometimes had a negative effect on my mental health and wellbeing, which I am more than happy to admit and talk about.
“Having the ability to work through emotional pain and suffering and raising funds for the charities close to me, is going to be the driving force I need to complete my, (up to 5000-mile) cycle journey around the UK mainland.
“The five charities I am fund raising for all have a personal meaning and connection to me. They all have similar goals, wanting to help people to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events.”
The charities are FND, Mermaids, SSAFA, Pilgrim Bandits and wolfpackpilgrimage.
Phil is setting off on September 7. You can follow his progress on Instagram at resilience_ride_uk
To contribute to his fundraiser, visit https://tinyurl.com/2vn92wvv