Blesma has launched the second episode of its “Human, Not Heroic” Podcast. In this episode, host Harry Bucknall sits down with fellow veteran Mark Smith, someone he has known for more than 30 years.
Mark’s military journey began at the age of 16, when he enlisted as a Junior Soldier with the Coldstream Guards. After completing training, he joined the 1st Battalion, serving from 1988 to 1997. During his nine years of service, he performed ceremonial duties in London, carried out armoured infantry roles in Germany, and deployed on operational tours during the Gulf War, the Northern Ireland conflict, and in Bosnia.
However, life after service proved to be his toughest battle.
Following discharge, Mark faced severe personal and mental health challenges. A psychiatrist later diagnosed him with PTSD linked to his military service, a moment Mark describes as the turning point that finally gave meaning to years of turmoil.
Determined to rebuild his life, Mark went on to complete Maths and English certifications, studied three A-levels, and later enrolled in university to pursue Counselling and Psychology.
During his studies, Mark advocated for a dedicated veterans module to be added, a proposal the university approved. He graduated with a 2:1 honours degree, later continuing his academic journey with a post-graduate diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Today, Mark runs his own private counselling service, offering life-saving support to veterans and their families. His practice was established through a Blesma grant that provided vital equipment, including a suitable laptop, website setup, and professional software needed to operate independently as a sole trader.
Mark hopes that by sharing his story, other veterans will seek help sooner, acknowledging that many reach out only at crisis point, often struggling with long NHS waiting lists when they need immediate care.
Reflecting on his journey, Mark shared:
“If that could happen to me, was it happening to other veterans too? I was lucky to come out the other side, but there are a lot who don’t. So I decided I wanted to help.”He added:
“I can’t thank Blesma enough for that kickstart… without it, I don’t know where I’d be now. I didn’t need to struggle. So thank you.”
The Human Not Heroic podcast continues to highlight unfiltered military experiences, showing the human behind the heroic.
The Podcast is available on Spotify , Apple, PodBean, YouTube
