Last year, at our event “Mental health: security’s invisible enemy,” chartered health psychologist Dr Tina Cartwright held a managing stress and preventing burnout interactive workshop. She asked attendees – “do you do physical exercise outside of work?” Only five out of sixty said yes.
The physical impact of stress can be mitigated by exercising. Without ways to manage it, stress can increase heart pressure and prompt individuals to seek relief in unhealthy vices like drinking, smoking or eating unhealthily, none of which help reduce the impact of stress or poor mental health. Exercise can help replace these habits with a much healthier approach to self-care and living well.
Corps Security colleagues saw the opportunity to help themselves and others in the process. Last year, members of our team undertook exercise-based fundraising initiatives for Corps’ nominated charity Combat Stress, which provides mental health support for veterans. This is particularly important given a 2020 study found that 40% of security officers showed signs of PTSD.
In 2024, we are continuing to challenge our attitude and habits when it comes to physical and mental health, raising money for a good cause that’s close to our hearts in the process.
London Landmarks Half Marathon
The Corps Security community have already walked, run, and cycled to support Combat Stress, but many of the team wanted a fresh challenge, which is why they signed up to the 2024 London Landmarks Half Marathon.
A central London marathon that runs through Westminster and the City of London, runners will pass 17 iconic London landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. They’ll also be supported by musical performances, DJs, dancers, and cheering supporters all around.
Eleven Corps colleagues are taking part, led by managing director Paul Lotter, and the team includes ex-veterans, mental health champions, and security officers. The half marathon will solidify their already strong working relationships and improve their physical health, all while raising money for a worthy cause. So far, they have raised over £2,000 for Combat Stress.
Combat Stress have been Corps Security’ nominated charity for just shy of a decade. Last year we raised over £22,000 through multiple initiatives, including the ‘Tour De Corps’, a North vs South football match in Birmingham, the ‘D-Day Challenge’, Saharan ultra-marathons, and March in March.
Help our London Landmark marathon team reach their fundraising goal today.
