'I was supposed to be helping people, but it was me that actually needed support and help'

PHIL Jones had set himself up in business to help others. But it was while doing that he realised he needed help himself, haunted as he was by his experiences in the Royal Marines.

- Ex-Royal Marine Phil Jones tells Robert Dalling

He served as a Royal Marines Commando for over a decade, having signed up at the age of 19, inspired by the path of his parents, both of whom are former RAF.

Serving with his brother Gareth, he went on operational tours around the world, including in Afghanistan.

In 2013, he decided, after 11 years, to leave the forces, returning home to Swansea.

The former Pentrehafod School pupil created his own business, So Fit Group Ltd, a health and wellbeing company whose mission statement is to create high performers in the corporate space by optimising their wellbeing.

But the 42-year-old explained that, 10 years after leaving the Royal Marines, and focusing his work on the wellbeing of others, he realised something was not right.

He said: "I had a very fulfilling career, with some exciting and adrenaline-filled experiences, but obviously, there were also some challenging and difficult situations.

"I got to a point where I felt I had achieved pretty much all that I could and decided to leave in 2013. Just earning the coveted green beret was my highlight.

"The Marines are an elite fighting force, well-respected across the globe. I also played squash for the Marines and Navy, during which I went on a tour of America.

"I own a health and wellbeing company, and I have helped dozens of veterans and the general public, so when I was diagnosed [with post-traumatic stress disorder - PTSD], it was a difficult situation where I was supposed to be helping people, and it was myself that actually needed support and help.

"I have been in conflict situations with the enemy, and some of the challenges with PTSD is not what you've seen or witnessed, it was the feeling afterwards of 'what if' and how could I have done things differently to change the outcomes.