Beneficiary Spotlight - Richard Marsden -

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« Back	Post Date: Monday, February 21, 2022
Beneficiary Spotlight - Richard Marsden Richard served in the with Scots Guards in the Falklands and subsequently suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of his experiences. He played golf on and off since his childhood but after joining On Course Foundation this became more of a regularity, seeing it as a focus and distraction from his illness.

Beneficiary Spotlight

Name: Richard Marsden

Regiment: Scots Guards

Rank: Sergeant

Why did you decide to join the military?: Military tradition.

Length of service: 12 years.

Why did you leave the military?: End of contract/PTSD.

How did this injury/illness occur?: PTSD from the Falklands conflict.

What was your golfing experience prior to joining On Course Foundation?: I played on and off since the age of 12 but I hadn’t played much since 1990 due to my PTSD.

When and how did you hear about On Course Foundation?: I was signposted to On Course Foundation during my treatment at Combat Stress in Scotland.

''When you suffer mental health problems it can be difficult to get outside them to gain an objective view on things. Two years ago I was in a fragile state and had to overdose on pain killers to get me through with even a thought of a golf lesson being too much for me. Two years later it was a very different story.''

What is your experience of On Course Foundation so far?:

Very positive. Excellent tuition, honing competition nerve, adventure to go to new courses, camaraderie, improved confidence and ‘can do’.

It is also just over two years since I started with the charity. When you suffer mental health problems it can be difficult to get outside them to gain an objective view on things. Two years ago I was in a fragile state and had to overdose on pain killers to get me through with even a thought of a golf lesson being too much for me. Two years later it is a very different story. I am now a member of a golf club, have made some valuable and lasting friendships with fellow OCF beneficiaries, I have a totally new bag of equipment, my handicap is 16 and lowering, I now only take painkillers occasionally and regular golfing instruction.

Your employment experience so far: I'm looking to get some involvement with the golf industry either through suitable part-time work or volunteer opportunities.

What do you hope to gain from On Course Foundation in the future?: Continuing improvement in skills, in particular mental fortitude to continue reducing my handicap. Golfing goals are very important for my mental health so I aiming to reach Simpson Cup qualifying at the earliest opportunity (whenever that may be). I realise that I need to keep working on my physical and mental health to keep improving. I will keep applying to attend as many appropriate events as possible.

I played with some old friends last week who I hadn’t seen for a while and they couldn’t believe how much I improved. This is all down to the support from the charity so I am continually grateful for the support they are giving me in my recovery. Thank you so much.

ABOUT US

On Course Foundation continue to provide positive provision for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans - supporting their recovery and transition to civilian life through confidence building golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry.

As a sport, golf offers a unique platform where players of all skills and backgrounds can compete healthily, improving not only their physical but mental strength too. With many lacking self- belief, it’s our aim to help our beneficiaries realise their potential and set them on a fulfilling path.

Formed in 2010, we have seen first-hand that that participation in golf can have a profound positive effect on the rehabilitation of our beneficiaries.