"We're cycling 240 miles across Normandy for the military charity that helped us with our mental health"

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“It can be hard to accept that you’ve reached your limit and that you need help. But once you open up, you’ll find a world of support you didn’t know existed.”

Two veterans and long-time friends who suffered with mental health issues during military service are cycling to Normandy, raising funds for the charity that supported them.

Andrew Green and Mike Eytle served 16 years together in the British Army.

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Along with others, they will be taking part in the D-Day Ride for SSAFA (Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association), the Armed Forces charity, and have already raised £1,375 of their £1,950 aim.

Mike and Andy on deployment together in Afghanistan.Mike and Andy on deployment together in Afghanistan.
Mike and Andy on deployment together in Afghanistan. | SSAFA

Beginning today (June 6), on the 80th anniversary of the Allies storming occupied Europe, the three-day challenge will see dozens of SSAFA supporters cycling up to 80 miles per day along the beaches, battlefields, fortifications, and memorials in Normandy, France.   

Andy and Mike served together on tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and both left the Army about 10 years ago.

During and after their military service they both struggled with their mental health, and the attitudes around these topics, especially in the military, were much different then.

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When asked about mental health and the military, Andy, who lives in South Yorkshire, said: “Like others, my mental health has gone up and down over the years, particularly during prolonged periods of high workload, during deployment, and other life stressors.

Andy Green, on deployment in Iraq.Andy Green, on deployment in Iraq.
Andy Green, on deployment in Iraq. | SSAFA

“I’ve been very lucky to have been surrounded by people who have been very supportive.

“The first time I was unwell, they were able to spot the signs I was oblivious to. I’ll always be grateful for their support.”

Upon leaving the military Andy moved into project management for a construction company in Sheffield, while Mike builds data centres for Microsoft around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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Mike said: “When I was going through a bad patch, I didn’t know what to do, and I reached out to Andy. He told me that he had gone through something similar a couple of years back. He even recommended me the same counsellor he had seen, which helped me tremendously.

Mike Eytle on deployment in Afghanistan.Mike Eytle on deployment in Afghanistan.
Mike Eytle on deployment in Afghanistan. | SSAFA

“It can be hard to accept that you’ve reached your limit and that you need help. But once you open up, you’ll find a world of support you didn’t know existed.”

The pair are passionate about giving back to the military through their fundraising page, and by spreading awareness about mental health support for serving personnel and veterans, so they never have to battle alone.

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Andy and Mike will be part of a team of five friends taking part in the D-Day Ride, joining two other veterans and one civilian who was keen to join.

Andy Green running the Sheffield Half Marathon fro SSAFA in 2019.Andy Green running the Sheffield Half Marathon fro SSAFA in 2019.
Andy Green running the Sheffield Half Marathon fro SSAFA in 2019. | SSAFA

You can donate to their fundraising page at https://ssafa.enthuse.com/pf/andy-green

Andy has plenty of cycling experience, regularly doing so in his spare time, but Mike has none whatsoever, a fact he is only slightly worried about.

Mike said: “I’m feeling a bit nervous, but I thought this was a great opportunity to support something I believe in, and with it being the 80th anniversary of D-Day makes it even more significant.

“I reckon that as long as I make it to the end in one piece, it’ll be a great three days!”

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