Mark Eccleston's Iron Man Challenge
A Former soldier who was diagnosed with PTSD after being injured in Iraq is taking on an Iron Man challenge to show there is "light at the end of the tunnel."
Mark Eccleston, from Windle had been in the Army from 1996 to 2002, but was acting as a reservist when he was injured on New Year's Day 2006.
He had been distributing food to villagers in Iraq when he was caught by the force of a blast. Injuries led to the father of three requiring two back operations.
Mark was also diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after he tried to take his own life in 2008.
Mark did the Bolton Iron Man Challenge on July 15 as part of his recovery as well as raising funds for Style for Soldiers.
"I decided to take this on to prove that after being diagnosed with PTSD you can get better. The challenge will push me physically and mentally. I am in a better place now and you can love your life, which is something I try to teach others with PTSD. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
When I was sectioned in Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey, Emma Willis from Style for Soldiers helped me and many others, so I wanted to give back to her for all she has done and continues to do."
