Fit and full of life, Olivia enjoyed the opportunities offered by a career in the Army, until she was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Since completing her first adaptive climbing course run by our partner, Climb2Recovery (C2R), Olivia is now a dedicated member of the charity’s veteran community. Climb2Recovery (C2R) supports the recovery of wounded, injured and disabled veterans through its adaptive climbing and mountaineering programme Our grant of £15,000 towards the charity’s running costs enables it to help around 70 Army veterans each year.  

Olivia is from the West Coast of Scotland. After a spell in the Territorial Army, she transferred to regular service with the Adjutant General’s Corps in a clerical role. Full of vitality and extremely fit, Olivia enjoyed the opportunities offered by the Army for a career, friendship and adventure. But after a series of health complications, she was eventually diagnosed with MS. 

At 42, Olivia was medically discharged from the Army, which she says left her feeling: “…gutted, upset and like I had lost everything.” 

Olivia’s memory and eyesight were affected by her condition, leaving her completely blind in her right eye, and struggling with her mobility. She says: “I can’t feel or fully control my limbs, I struggle to balance, walk, and climb stairs. Life is really difficult.” 

Despite Olivia’s usually positive approach to life, her mental health deteriorated. The pandemic was especially depressing and isolating. Olivia decided to cheer herself up, starting with her wardrobe. She says: “All my clothes were dark, and quite boring, so I thought  – I’ll start introducing some colours in my life!”   

As life returned to normal, Olivia had the chance to try indoor climbing locally. When she found out about Climb2Recovery (C2R), Olivia signed up for their first climbing course after Covid. She has been going on courses ever since – always dressed in pink. 

Olivia is now one of the most inspirational members of the C2R community. As an Army veteran and climber, she helps introduce and mentor new members, and supports others to achieve their goals and qualifications.  

C2R has given Olivia a new purpose, a sense of belonging and a wonderful group of friends, all of which has been very positive for her physical and mental health.  

Olivia is still very unwell with MS but is now in a far better place. As she has become more active, Olivia has found her strength and fitness returning, and her ability to manage her pain has improved. As her mobility and her resilience has increased, Olivia feels more confident going out and about, which is helping reduce her loneliness. 

Olivia says: “Climbing means everything to me and has given a lot of friendship. The C2R staff are fantastic, so supportive and encouraging.”