PTSD can occur everywhere is society, but it’s impact and effects are particularly acute for those who have seen and suffered war related trauma. The vast majority of serving armed forces personnel successfully cope with the trauma they have seen and suffered as part of their role fighting for their country – in fact, the incidence of mental illness in the armed forces is far lower than in a similar demographic in wider society. However, for some, the effects of their trauma are serious enough to need specialist help. PTSD is a nasty, debilitating, destructive illness that destroys people, their families, their relationships, and their lives. It eats into your soul, triggers violent irrational outbursts, creates disabling anxiety, and it robs you of sleep and rest. PTSD destroys you silently and relentlessly from inside your head.  Sufferers are stigmatised, isolated and can move into the margins of society, spiralling into a world of drink, drugs, and crime

The PentUp Foundation was created with the aim of using the sport of Modern Pentathlon to give people the opportunity to train and compete in 5 new and demanding disciplines.  We provide a support network of fellow sufferers & supporters and we provide a worthwhile reason to get up on a Sunday morning.  Our athletes work hard on improving skills and fitness and to get the chance to excel in the ultimate Olympic sport, proving the value of Recovery Through Sport

Evidence based research has shown that the process of training and preparing for a competitive multi-discipline sport can form an essential part of therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation for sufferers of PTSD.  An adapted Modern Pentathlon is an excellent tool to support recovery. Whilst top flight athletes will need to excel in all 5 disciplines, a novice with basic skills can compete successfully without needing high levels of fitness, endurance and stamina. Pentathlon is a skills-based event where thoughtful strategy, mental preparation and native cunning can see you beat someone far fitter and stronger. This is the essence of why it works so well - it gets your mind working hard on something positive every week. 

The foundation has been set up to run regular training and sports therapy sessions for veterans giving them the opportunity to train for each of the 5 Modern Pentathlon disciplines in a safe and supportive environment.  One of our founder members, Dr Simon Thompson (Psychiatrist) says ; “This adapted modern pentathlon event works in treating PTSD veterans because it utilises the psychological skills gained through intensive trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy and the grounding and mood emotional regulation techniques developed in the clinical treatment programmes”.