From rock bottom to the Great North Run: Newcastle veteran gives back to SSAFA

07 September 2026

A former Coldstream Guardsman who battled PTSD, depression, drug and alcohol abuse after leaving the Army - and at his lowest point considered taking his own life - is taking on the Great North Run for the charity he credits with helping him turn his life around.

Dane Wilson, 52, will run the famous 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday 13 September to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, which has supported him three times during his life.

First staged in 1981, the Great North Run has grown into one of the world’s biggest half marathons, with runners tackling the undulating route through Newcastle and Gateshead before heading towards the finish on the South Shields coast.

For Dane, every mile will have a particular significance. He joined the Coldstream Guards at just 16 and served for more than four years, including a tour of Northern Ireland, where the shooting of a close friend had a profound effect on him.

When Dane left the Army aged 20, the transition to civilian life proved overwhelming. Unable to find work and struggling with PTSD and depression, he turned to drink and drugs and eventually reached the point where he considered taking his own life.

It was then that he summoned the courage to contact SSAFA. A caseworker listened to Dane and helped him identify the practical support he needed. The charity funded driving lessons - giving him both a new skill and the confidence to find work - and helped him with essential household items.

SSAFA has since been there for Dane on two further occasions when he needed support.

Today, Dane works as a laboratory technician at Newcastle University and is preparing to begin a degree in biology.

Dane said: “When I first contacted SSAFA I was at rock bottom. I was drinking, taking drugs and had reached the point where I was thinking about taking my own life.

“Making that call was incredibly difficult, but it changed things for me. SSAFA listened, helped me work out what I needed and gave me the confidence to start moving forward.

“They’ve now helped me three times. The Great North Run is my chance to give something back and help make sure SSAFA can be there for the next person who needs them.”

Chris Tearney, Chair of SSAFA Tyne and Wear said: “It can take enormous courage to admit you’re struggling and make that first call for help. Dane’s story demonstrates why taking that step matters.

“Once you’ve reached out, getting help can be much easier than you imagine. SSAFA is here to listen and provide practical, personalised support to members of the Armed Forces community when they need us. Because no one should ever battle alone.”