My Special Forces Weekend

(Emily Osborne, Fundraising Coordinator, Wakefield Hospice)

We left as civilians, we returned as civilians but what happened in between all that will have a profound effect on our lives for a long time to come.

The survival weekend had been long awaited for the hospice team but when D–Day finally arrived there were feelings of excitement and anxiety. We were about to venture into the arms of the Special Forces for the next 48 hours, learning how to survive in the wild and on the run.

Boot Camp it most definitely was not; more like a school trip for adults!

Practising combat and patrol drills, escaping and evading a hunter force in the middle of the night, building and sleeping under shelters, surviving off the land were all sure fire ways to get the adrenalin racing round our bodies. With a few Special Forces stories thrown in for good measure we soon began to understand more about what they endure and built a sincere respect for the job they do.

I must admit I was a little apprehensive about my fitness levels and my ability to meet the tasks with the aptitude that was required but there was nothing to worry about. The weekend does not focus on fitness or recruitment style techniques (as most TV programmes portray). It’s about having fun, learning new skills and being taught by the best. There really aren’t enough adjectives to describe what an amazing experience this is!

If you like the outdoors and enjoy a challenge I can’t stress how much this weekend is suited to you. Have an exhilarating weekend and raise money for a good cause at the same time!

The whole team worked well together, knuckled down and took the weekend as it was intended. I would personally like to thank my ‘squad’ for their company, support and protection i.e. not letting me get captured, over the weekend! Well done guys and roll on phase 2!!