From RIpon to Sarajevo: Dedicated therapist takes her work global to help soldiers with PTSD

Lesley Walker has worked as a psychological therapist in our district for 10 years, and is excited about her new challenge to change lives globally.

Through the Healing Hands Network, Lesley will fly out to Sarajevo in May to provide support to communities affected by the Balkan conflict.

Lesley said: “I remember often seeing the news reports at the time, watching the atrocities of war. It is something that has stayed with me ever since and continued to haunt me. I just thought if there is anything I can ever do to help, I will do it.

“I just hope that I can touch someone’s life when I am over there, and help in some way. My work in Sarajevo will reach out to all different age groups still affected by the war - children, families, parents, the work will be varied.

“I am also passionate about helping people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder locally - you don’t have to look far in this area to find people who might need a bit of support.

“PTSD is silent, I have seen first-hand through therapy just how much it affects people and what it does. I am keen to reach out to as many people as possible.”

Daughter Maryse Haywood said: “Mum is really passionate about what she does, and anything that people can do in Ripon to support her and get behind her with the fundraising, that would be amazing.”

Lesley worked at Knaresborough Castle Clinic, and now offers therapy at Boroughbridge GP surgery. She also runs group sessions at the Mindfulness Wellbeing Company in Ripon.

Maryse said: “Ripon has such a great sense of community, and we are keen to do what we can to help people in our city.”

To help Lesley get to Sarajevo, visit her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/maryse-haywood.

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