Veteran Who Battled Cancer and PTSD Takes on Three Peaks

An RAF veteran from Lincolnshire is looking forward to completing the Three Peaks for a second time, to say thank you to the Charity for helping him overcome his own challenges.  

Colin Oakes, 57, who lives in Spalding, completed the Three Peaks for the first time last year, and is kicking off this year with a hike up Scafell Pike at the end of April. The 'Three Peaks in three months' are part of a series of seven expert-guided ‘Heroes Hikes’ around the UK – organised by the Charity. 

Colin started taking part in the Heroes Hikes four years ago and believes the sense of achievement and the opportunity to connect with other people plays an important part in helping him manage physical and mental health challenges. He said, “As a result of almost 30 years of service, I picked up a number of injuries, which at the time in true military fashion, were treated with painkillers and a slap on the back for reassurance. On top of which, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and have been on a daily cocktail of medication for 15 years. 

“Last year, I found the Heroes Hikes were a great way to be out exercising at a personal pace, interact with others and experience the UK Countryside first-hand. I met so many different people, from all sorts of backgrounds, not just the military, and we all encouraged each other along.  

“Many veterans have hidden wounds, myself being one of them. A physical injury can heal over time but a hidden wound like anxiety or depression is a life struggle. It took all my strength to attend the hikes last year, but I’m so glad I did.” 

Colin first joined the Army at the age of 18, but left after experiencing bullying and being physically attacked. He joined the Reserves, and during this time was deployed to Bosnia and Iraq. He rejoined the RAF as a regular in 1998 and trained as a mechanical ground technician. He was sent to Iraq, the Falkland Islands and Afghanistan and enjoyed his career as a mechanical fitter, until he was medically discharged in November 2017. Following successful treatment for prostate cancer, he is living with bladder, bowel, and prostate problems, which bring their own challenges. 

Colin added, “It’s coming up for seven years since I was medically discharged. I’ve had to deal with prostate cancer, as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The support I’ve received from Help for Heroes has been great. They stepped in when no-one else did. 

“As well as support from the mental health team, they’ve helped me to recognise my strengths in teaching and coaching, and I’m now working towards being a physical trainer and fitness coach. As well as feeling I’ve achieved something by completing the hikes again this year, I’m hoping to raise funds to say thank you to the Charity.” 

The series of seven Heroes Hikes begins with Scafell Pike on 25 April, followed by Snowdon on 9 May, before the Three Peaks are completed with a visit to Ben Nevis on 6 June – the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. The focus shifts on 25 July, when the hike is around London, taking in 30 landmark military sights, before walkers leave the city behind for the coast, with a trek of nearly 17 miles (27km) along the stunning Jurassic Coast, in Dorset. The series then concludes in September, with two hikes in beautiful countryside: on Dartmoor (12) and in the Lincolnshire Wolds (26).  

Colin has a message for anyone who has already signed up to one of this year’s hikes, “Don't forget to get your head up, shoulders back and take in the fresh air, your surroundings and the effort you're making on behalf of those who can no longer get outside and do what they loved.”

To show your support for Colin go to Colin Oakes Just Giving .