A MILITARY team has headed to the world’s tallest mountain to embark on a mission to raise awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The British Army Everest 2015 group travelled to Kathmandu at the beginning of April to attempt to summit the highest point on Earth in an expedition supported by Combat Stress and The Royal British Legion.

The mountaineers aim to reach the top of Mount Everest via the North East Ridge, as originally used by Mallory and Irvine, and hope to highlight that it is OK to ask for help if you are suffering from a mental health condition.

Servicemen and women suffering from PTSD are often too afraid to seek help due to the fear of stigma attached to mental illness. The current issue they face is not one of whether care is available, but rather having the courage to access it.

Tim Brawn, director of fundraising and communications at Combat Stress, said: “We are enormously grateful to the British Army Everest 15 team for undertaking what must surely be one of the most dangerous feats on earth.

“In the UK, thousands of ex-Servicemen and women suffer in silence with mental health conditions, too ashamed or afraid of the stigma to seek help. It is vital they receive specialist treatment and support from Combat Stress.

“With the help of the BAE 15 team we can reach out to more veterans and help them to reclaim their lives.”

To follow the team on their journey, find British Army Everest 15 on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter @armyeverest15.

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