Former SAS man helping to heal scars

A FORMER SAS veteran has lost everything in his quest to help former servicemen who have been mentally scarred by conflict.

Bob Paxman, who lives in the Forest of Dean, has set up a treatment developed by ex-servicemen for ex-servicemen called Talking2Minds.

It helps soldiers deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related illnesses.

Mr Paxman, who suffered from PTSD for more than 12 years after leaving the SAS, claims to have helped successfully treat nearly 80 cases of PTSD since the charity's inception in February 2009.

In order to fund the treatment, Mr Paxman has spent upwards of £200,000 using all of his savings made from work in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He has also sold his old car and now he is on the verge of losing his home.

"It is crunch time," he said.

"But lives are changing as a result of the treatment and I strongly believe in it.

"We have cured people who have had mental health issues for more than 27 years."

Mr Paxman, who served for four years in the SAS, uses a variety of therapy and hypnosis techniques to help ex-soldiers.

"We have a unique system to treat PTSD and there is no other like it on the planet," he said. "We have treated people who have been declared clinically insane and they are now well.

"We have got a product that works, now we just need the money."

The Marketing Farm, a Cheltenham-based marketing and PR consultancy business, has stepped in to help Mr Paxman raise a much-needed £100,000.

Matthew Rymer, managing director of The Marketing Farm, has urged people to back Mr Paxman's efforts.

He said: "Bob is desperate to help these ex-soldiers."

Anyone who wants to offer help should call 01242 222 878.