Chris Platts

On the 10th of September this year I hiked up Ben Nevis. The journey to the top included plenty of physical and mental ‘mountains’ that I needed to climb, and I can honestly say I couldn’t have done it without the support of friends and family. This blog my way of thanking those who helped me reach the summit.

The first person I’m going to write about is my wife. The one who in the darkest of times was able to drag me along, even when she was struggling too. Not once has she given in or let anything get in her way. We’ve been married for 6 years. In that time she’s (we’ve) had 2 children, 2 miscarriages, moved house 4 times and 3 new jobs. She has also had to look after me for 3 ½ years while I was dealing with my back injury. Something that most couples don’t even go through in a lifetime. Even with all this she still drives on our family to be better. To do better. She has sacrificed everything to follow me and my career. She is my motivational coach, my guide, my everything, and there is nothing in this world that I wouldn’t do to make sure she stays by my side.

Next is my parents and brother. My mum, bless her, loves to smother us. Every day she is constantly on the go trying to do everything she can for us. Even after me and my brother have left home, she is always checking up to make sure that we’re ok and if there is anything she can do. We wouldn’t want it any other way. The males in our family, however, are notorious for not showing emotions that often. We keep it to simple nods, the odd hug and few carefully selected words. However the understated way in which we communicate sometimes means more than any extravagant show of emotion.

From my family to another, my adopted family, my Armed Forces family. Over the last 13 years I have made some unbelievable friends that have made the world a greater place. Wherever I have been I have been able to lean on those I work and live with. From meeting in training, moving to new units, overseas, and the ones I’ve met along the way. I know that if I needed anything it would take just one message or phone call, and someone would be there. Joining the Armed Forces has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It’s also why I want to give back and created Buddy Check.

Next are my friends from back home. I left home 13 years ago but that hasn’t stopped my friends supporting me. We keep in touch most days and when I go back to my home village there’s always a good chance we’ll meet up for a pint. I know even after all these years I can rely on them when I need them the most.

Finally I want to thank myself. Its always hard to praise yourself and look back at your achievements but it is important to do so. Where I have been, and the lows I have suffered, I am proud to be where I am today. I still have moments where I feel like an imposter. That I should give in and let someone take over. But then I look back at all the hours I have worked on honing new skills and developing who we are as an organisation, and I know that I deserve to be where I am. If anything it makes me more determined to push harder.

To all those I have helped me along the way. That have believed in me when I haven’t been able to. To those who have been a shoulder to cry on and given me a hand up when I’ve been down. That have supported me and continue to push me to be the best. I would not be the person I am today without you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.