Former Detective Shares PTSD Story in New Memoir and Sets Out on 16-Day Charity Walk for Mind

March 24, 2026

A former serious crime detective who developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after years investigating some of the UK’s most challenging cases is sharing his story in a powerful new memoir - and raising money for mental health charity South East and Central Essex Mind with an ambitious charity walk.

Darren Ryan, author of Lifeline: How a Former Detective Survived PTSD and How You Can Too, will walk 16 miles a day for 16 days this April to raise funds and awareness for children’s mental health. The walk will pass through communities including Eastwood, Leigh-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea.

During his 15-year police career, Darren worked on major investigations involving terrorism, covert operations and child protection. While he appeared resilient on the outside, the cumulative trauma of the work eventually led to PTSD and his medical discharge.

His memoir Lifeline is a raw account of the hidden cost of protecting others and the long road to recovery. “Silence nearly cost me everything,” Darren says. “Like many people, I was taught to be strong and self-reliant. I knew how to survive, but I didn’t know how to ask for help.”

Now working as a mental health speaker, life coach. Darren uses his experience to challenge stigma and encourage more open conversations about trauma and wellbeing promoting prevention-first mental health strategies in organisations, and helps organisations and individuals reconnect with themselves, to reach their potential and thrive through coaching, mentoring and peer support.

He hopes the charity walk, which has been sponsored by David Lloyd Southend and in collaboration with Rayleigh Crossfit, will spark conversations about mental health while raising funds for vital support services.

“If you see me along the route, please come and say hello!”

To donate follow this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/darren-ryan-2?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL