A QUARTER of a century has passed since David Torrie left the Army but memories of the horrors he witnessed remain with him.

Barrhead man David has bravely opened up about the decades of mental torture he has endured while battling against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He describes the condition as “a ticking time-bomb” and has spoken out for the first time in the hope that others who are suffering will be inspired to seek treatment.

David, 54, said: “I have been suffering for nearly 25 years but, for most of that time, I was just given tablets for depression, even though I was never depressed.

“The public don’t always realise what you go through out there.

“I think this is a ticking time-bomb, especially for the men and women who have been out in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

David, who saw action in the Falklands War, left military life behind in 1990 but his health has suffered badly in the years since then.

After years of misdiagnosis, he is now undergoing treatment for his condition and has been helped enormously by the Combat Stress charity.

David said: “I have been with Combat Stress for three years now and they have been brilliant.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them.”

To support others like David, his 24-year-old stepson Matthew Greally tackled the West Highland Way this week.

Matthew, who lives in Neilston, completed the challenge in just four days, raising much-needed funds for Combat Stress along the way.

“The recommended time for walking the West Highland Way is five to eight days but I did it in four, on my own,” said Matthew.

“I do a lot of Munro bagging and long-distance exercise but this was very difficult as I was on my feet up to 14 hours a day, which led to some late nights.

“I wasn’t worried about that, though. I’m not scared walking around Barrhead at night-time, so this was no different!”

David, who has been a sales manager in Barrhead for 20 years, described Matthew’s fundraising efforts as “fantastic.”

He became Matthew’s stepfather just over two years ago and is hugely proud that he is supporting Combat Stress.

David added: “It certainly wasn’t easy but it is a very important thing he has done.

“It is a very bold challenge.”

After coming up with the idea late last year, Matthew began to fundraise for the charity ahead of his walk.

The 96-mile hike was done as close to British Army conditions as possible, with Matthew taking nothing more than walking gear, food, water and a bivi bag with him.

Despite being postponed due to bad weather early in the year, as well as twisting his knee only six miles into the walk, the keen hillwalker and ice climber has raised nearly £1,400 for Combat Stress.

Matthew added: “My stepdad, he’s a man’s man, and for men like him it can be hard to talk about their health.

“I decided last year that I was going to do this after I realised how ridiculous it is that our boys have to go to a charity for help.

“My original goal was £500, as that is the cost of helping one veteran into the programme that David is on.

“Now I’m just hoping to get as much as I can.”

Each year, Combat Stress receives 2,000 referrals from veterans dealing with issues like anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Robert Marsh, director of income generation at Combat Stress, said: “It’s great to hear how the support from Combat Stress has helped members of Matthew’s family.

“Without amazing fundraisers, we wouldn’t be able to continue to provide this life-changing treatment.”

To make a donation to the worthy cause, visit www.combatstress.org.uk.