Meet Team PR22 ~ Steve McCrum

Published Saturday, 18th June 2022

Pilgrims Ride '22 ~ Meet the Team

Steve joined the Royal Marines in September 1999. Upon completion of 30 weeks training he joined the Heavy Weapons Anti-Tank branch. Steve has served in all 3 units, deploying around the world on training exercises.

He was deployed on active service to Iraq and Afghanistan and served on Op Herrick 9 and 14. During posting to the Commando Units Steve served at the Commando Training Centre, training new recruits and the Brigade Command Recognition Instructor (teaching armoured vehicle recognition). He was also attached to the Army as an instructor at the Mission Training and Mobilisation Centre (MTMC).

In 2018 Steve became unwell and was diagnosed with Complex PTSD. He was medically discharged in May 2020.

Steve lives in Exeter with his wife, Lou, and their three children. His diagnosis has had a massive impact on him, and his family's life: 

"It has taken a long time to get an understanding of the injury and we are still learning every day. As a family we adjust what we do, and how we do it, to make sure my injury does not impact on everyone too much. Lou has been my rock, without her support I would not be where I am today. It has been a slow recovery process. I just take it day by day..."

Steve is excited to be part of the team taking on this epic bike ride from Canterbury to Rome:

"I have followed 65 Degrees North's adventures over the years and a very good friend of mine was part of the team that summited Everest in 2019. It has been amazing to see how 65DN has helped his recovery and I am now looking forward to my own adventure and being part of a team again.

I haven't done anything like this challenge before and it will definitely push me out of my comfort zone, but it's important to have a goal, a purpose in life, and a reason to get out of bed.

It will be hard being away from Lou and the kids but they will be my motivation to keep going when the going gets tough!"

If you would like to help fund future projects for our wounded, injured and sick service personnel please visit our JustGiving Page >> https://www.justgiving.com/65degn

With thanks to Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) for part-funding this endeavour through a Positive Pathways Grant and helping us to continue our vision of Rehabilitation Through Adventure!

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