World record-breaking sniper Craig Harrison has revealed that his service in the British Army pushed him to the brink of suicide.
He gave 23 years of dedicated service, completing 10 tours in dangerous and kinetic conflict zones, including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
During this time Craig also set a world record for the longest kill in combat.
But his service came at a heavy price.
He suffered a life-changing brain injury and what he saw and experienced on the battlefield now sees him battle with complex PTSD every single day.
"I live with suicidal thoughts almost every day of my life," he said.
"I didn't count them as people……. I saw them as targets and if you start having feelings, you're not going to complete your missions."
The battlefield was not the only place where Craig faced his demons.
After being medically discharged from the army due to a brain injury caused by an IED explosion and being diagnosed with complex PTSD, his struggles continued at home.
He recounted a particularly dark moment when he sat alone in his kitchen with a handgun, ready to end his life.
It was the presence of his dog, Betsy, that stopped him.
"Betsy looked at me and tilted her head. I stared at her and took the gun out of my mouth and put it down,” Craig continued.
"I said thank you to her. Thank you for being there."
Despite his mental battles, Craig remains committed to helping others who are struggling.
He has used his military training to establish the Maverick Survival School, where he teaches bushcraft skills to veterans free of charge.
"I have changed people's lives, and I've stopped people committing suicide," he said.
"I realised that, but I need to accept it more. I need to believe in myself more."
For many veterans like Craig, the scars of war run deep, but with support, there is hope for healing.
If you want to make a difference to the lives of those who have served, you can play the Veterans’ Lottery.
Craig is a supporter of both the Veterans' Lottery and the Veterans’ Foundation and has a message for those who play.
"Thank you for playing the Veterans' Lottery because your money goes to a good cause,” he said.
“The money raised goes to help people like myself and other veterans who are damaged - physically and mentally."
