On the 11 June 2025 a Civilian Instructor (CI) from Norfolk & Suffolk Wing will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime in aid of the charity Combat Stress – the UK's leading charity supporting veterans’ mental health
CI Chris McDowell from 42F (Kings Lynn) Squadron is travelling 475 miles from Edinburgh to Welwyn Garden City on foot, over 15 days, with one important mission: to raise awareness and funds for the Combat Stress.
He plans to do this whilst carrying a medicine ball to represent the weight veterans carry as they live with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety and other mental health challenges. He added “The medicine ball represents the burden that’s not always seen, but always felt. And just as I’ll carry it mile after mile, veterans carry those struggles long after their service has ended. That’s why this walk is for them - and why Combat Stress means so much to me.”
Chris who works as part of the maintenance team for Tesco, plans to stop at various stores along his journey to raise awareness of the charity and also speak to colleagues and veterans about their own mental health.
It was as a cadet at 1051 (Dartford) Squadron, where Chris developed a real passion for aviation and adventure, as well as taking part in overseas camps in places like America and Gibraltar. He left the cadets to join the RAF, and whilst serving became a Service Instructor at 402 (Gravesend) Squadron. Since leaving the RAF he moved to Norfolk and recently joined 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron as a Civilian Instructor his son is also a cadet at the squadron.
Chris is now working towards becoming a uniformed member of staff, with a strong focus on helping cadets become better versions of themselves, building their confidence, and encouraging them to expand their capabilities both within and beyond the squadron. He hopes that this challenge will show them that anything is possible.
“Along the way, I’m hoping to meet supporters, raise awareness in every community I pass through, and maybe even be joined by a few friendly faces for a stretch or two. If you see me and my medicine ball walking past, please say hello—or give me a honk if you’re driving!”
Chris will be walking near to the following squadrons – if you can spare some time to cheer him on please do!
You can support Chris, and Combat Stress by donating whatever you can via his fundraising page One Man & His Med Ball Challenge