“I always talk about doing it, but never do it. This time it was different!”
You would never think to look at him, but trim Cpl Alan Temple once weighed eighteen stone (one hundred and fourteen kilos). Add to this that he has had Type 2 diabetes for eight years and the strain on his mental health has, at times been immense.
Prior to joining the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) Alan had been in the Royal Navy, and it was a Royal Marine Commander doctor who laid out the reality: “When I first sat down, the doctor made no bones about it. He said I was overweight due to years of eating rubbish food and drinking,” said Alan, honestly. Things had to change. “Being overweight got me into fitness in the first place. I love the gym now and go almost every day.”
Fitness not only helped Alan physically but has turned his life around mentally after suffering from something that dogs many millions of people throughout their lives. It can creep up on you and drag you down at any moment and can make you lose pleasure or interest in activities for prolonged periods: depression.
“I got into a place where I wasn’t happy with myself, my job and work in general. I just got bogged down with stuff,” commented Alan, candidly.
The energetic corporal believes that the whole action of being busy has definitely helped to improve his mental wellbeing and to break free of the shackles of depressive moods. A chance glance at a poster on the gym wall has really changed his life - an RAF organised ultra-marathon where competitors run a 4.2-mile loop as many times as they can in twenty-four hours. Alan had never attempted anything on this scale before.
At forty-four, Alan was one of the oldest competitors and together with Pte Sam Haynes formed a team. He had it in his mind to clock up forty miles or ten laps in the allotted time. But Alan’s competitive spirit and will to win came to the fore and gave him an invaluable factor that helped to improve his mental resilience: focus. “I wanted to do ten laps and I was adamant that even if my legs gave way, I was going to do ten. There were two guys in front of me who were twenty-two – half my age. I knew I could beat them, and I knew I could do another four laps. I set myself a little ‘me’ goal,” said the runner, smiling. Clearly elated, Alan and his teammate scooped first prize in the team event. LCpl Chris Lunnon was an inspiration to Alan – “I couldn’t have got through it without his support.”
And has the art of exercise helped the plucky corporal to clear his mind? “Definitely!” was the rapid response. “I leave the mobile phone at home and whilst at the gym I put on my headphones, and I start a circuit. It makes me feel good about myself…that I have finished something. Some mornings I cannot face it, but I push myself.”
The dream is to attempt a future London Marathon. Whilst attending guard duty on the various High Wycombe sites Alan is constantly thinking about his next big challenge. “Work cannot be the only thing I concentrate on. I aim for something every couple of months now,” said the corporal, wisely.
Motivational speaking and writing, especially the works of David Goggins and Ant Middleton have further improved Alan’s mental health and he cannot recommend it highly enough. “They talk about what your body goes through ….it is all about management and though you feel extreme exercise may leave you feel you are hurting; you are not actually hurting as much as you think. It’s all about focus.”
Although exercise has been a saving grace for Alan’s enhanced mental health, he does not underestimate the importance of his team. “The RAF are really pro-helping you out. I cannot praise my immediate team enough such WO Greg Burgess and Personal Support WO, Sharon Hornby.”
A healthy lifestyle and a renewed energy for living has given Alan something that all of us need – a goal. Small steps can make a huge difference. Alan’s parting words show that, in his opinion mental health is taken more seriously nowadays and asking for help is no longer seen as a sign of weakness.
“Mental health is being spoken about more now than it was years ago. The old mantra of ‘man up and get on with it’ is fading now,” said Alan.
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If you require help, the Samaritans are always available, 24/7 on 116 123, TEXT SHOUT to 85258 or email: [email protected]
Also the RAFBF:
If you are feeling anxious, depressed or low and it is affecting your day to day life and causing your stress, the RAFBF have a listening and counselling service delivered by PAM Wellbeing 08081 751365.
RAFA provide a Finding it Tough course for Vets, Families and those working to support service personnel.
They also have a wellbeing booklet.
Living Life to the Full also has on line free resources to help overcome stress or low moods.
There is also the Health Wellbeing and Welfare share point site.
