Draft:Gary Kennedy
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Gary Kennedy, also known as Gaz Kennedy, is a British Army veteran, author, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. He is best known for his books The Silent War and The Second Chance, which explore post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personal transformation, and life after military service.
Early life
[edit]Kennedy was born and raised in Barrow-in-Furness, a shipbuilding town in North West England. His early years were shaped by sport, especially football, where he played for Furness Rovers and represented the county. His parents separated when he was around three years old, and his mother later remarried. At age 14, he reconnected with his biological father, forming a strong bond through football.
Military service
[edit]Kennedy served in the British Army for 12 years, completing operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. During Operation Herrick 11 in Afghanistan, he was commended for bravery under fire, receiving both an ISAF Commander’s Award and a Task Force Helmand Commendation.[1]
Writing career
[edit]Kennedy is the author of two books:
- The Silent War (2024), which offers a raw account of the psychological toll of combat and the internal struggles of returning veterans.[2][3]
- The Second Chance (2024), which expands on his journey by focusing on personal growth, sobriety, and self-accountability.[4]
The books are part of a broader series on transformation, recovery, and mental health, and have been featured by global retailers including Waterstones, Amazon, Google Books, Barnes & Noble, Australian Government Defence Libraryand others.[5][6][7]
Mental health advocacy
[edit]Kennedy is a prominent advocate for mental health, particularly within the veteran community. His advocacy work challenges the notion of identifying too closely with PTSD, instead encouraging individuals to view it as a temporary condition that can be managed and overcome. He has spoken publicly at Combat Stress events and has appeared on podcasts and panels discussing trauma recovery and post-service adjustment.
Entrepreneurship
[edit]After leaving the military, Kennedy founded a fitness company called Bootcamp UK, focused on outdoor training and mindset development.[8] He also launched a corporate events company, delivering leadership and team-building events for clients including Chelsea F.C. and West Bromwich Albion. His work has supported individuals transitioning from military to civilian life through coaching and consultancy.
Television
[edit]In 2015, Kennedy appeared on the second season of Thru, a survival-based reality competition aired on Insight TV. He finished second alongside fellow contestant Ben Mudge.
Personal life
[edit]Kennedy is married to Grace, a company director in the construction sector. Their relationship developed during his recovery, with Grace supporting his sobriety, therapy, and mental health. The couple live in the UK with their dog.
Selected works
[edit]- The Silent War (2024), ISBN 9782350664170
- The Second Chance (2024), ISBN 9782613149550
References
[edit]- ^ Kennedy, Gary (2024). The Silent War. Les Éditions Sydney Laurent. ISBN 9782350664170.
- ^ "The Silent War – Waterstones".
- ^ "The Silent War – Goodreads".
- ^ "The Second Chance – Goodreads".
- ^ "The Silent War – Hatchards".
- ^ Google Play Books – The Silent War. Gary Kennedy. 30 April 2025. ISBN 978-2-9547214-6-0.
- ^ "The Second Chance – Barnes & Noble".
- ^ "Bootcamp UK". Bootcamp UK.