Background

The inspiration behind the Mark Wright Project came from Bob and Jem Wright and Harry and Cathy Pearson. They were determined to ‘put something back’ to respect and honour our young men and women once they had left the forces. Bob and Jem’s son, Corporal Mark Wright, 27 lost his life during the minefield incident. Harry and Cathy’s son Sergeant Stuart Pearson lost a leg in the same mine explosion. Stuart has now been fitted with a prosthetic leg, Stuart is still serving with the 3 Para.

Every day troops put themselves in harm's way, but they do so knowing they can rely on excellent medical care within the MoD if the worst should happen. However as troops return from deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan, the need for support and help is expected to increase and as they return to their homes some of them are likely to encounter some difficulties in readjusting to civilian life. From speaking with other serving and ex-service young men and women and searching reports and research, Bob, Jem, Harry and Cathy soon realised that veteran services needed to be improved to meet the needs of our young men and women.  

The Mark Wright Project therefore evolved from a combination of interlinked factors. First of all from a very personal desire to create something positive and lasting, a legacy for Corporal Mark Wright GC; to help other serving and ex-service men and women in overcoming the effects of conflict and war.  Secondly from the reported experiences of serving and ex-serving personnel in identifying a need to  help serving  and ex service men and women deal with and recover from the ‘unseen’ scars of conflict and war.

Thirdly, from recent research suggesting that early intervention and support can assist in alleviating the symptoms of combat stress and trauma, and improve their mental health and well-being and lastly, in recognition that many of our ex-service men and women are leaving the armed forces suffering the effects of active combat, and that they require support and assistance in accessing therapeutic and support services to assist their recovery.

The Mark Wright Project originally grew as a project of the Scottish Highland Institute for Peace (SHIP) charity. SHIP’s objects relate to peace practitioner and conflict resolution training and services. Bob and Harry became involved with SHIP in August 2008 just before the highly publicised inquest into Mark’s death therefore, the Trustees set up The Mark Wright Project, and an associated website to raise awareness and fundraise.

However, the SHIP Trustees soon recognised that the organisations not only had very different aims, but also that the public were a little confused by their relationship. Therefore The Mark Wright Project was established as an independent charity in July 2009, and is a Scottish Registered Charity SC040690, and a Company Limited by Guarantee SC362801.  Both Bob and Harry are Directors of The Mark Wright Project Charity.