Army veteran wins British Forces in Business Award thanks to life-changing PTSD treatment

A Plymouth Army veteran who created a thriving business using art skills she learned during treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), from veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress, has won a national business award.

Clare Hearl, 46, won ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ in the British Forces in Business Awards 2025, on Thursday 26 June. The awards seek to recognise and celebrate the talented individuals who transition from military service to high-value civilian careers.

Clare joined the Army at 18 in 1997 and served for 10 years across the world. After battling mental health issues for almost 20 years, things finally unraveled in 2016. One particular incident that stuck with Clare during that year was shortly after her son turned three: “My mum came over and asked [my son]: ‘Where’s Mummy?’. He replied: ‘Crying, Grandma’.”

Soon after, Clare made the call to Combat Stress. She was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD and treated by the charity, something that ultimately transformed her and her family’s lives. You can read more about Clare’s struggles and journey to recovery here:https://combatstress.org.uk/clares-story.

Clare’s treatment included exploring the therapeutic benefit of art. Here she discovered a love of making things and used that passion to start a successful craft-based business, The Crafty Black Dog (www.thecraftyblackdog.co.uk), selling unique, handcrafted military-themed gifts. A mere five and a half years later she is now running her business full time, expanding it from an online shop to a physical one too.

Clare said: “Five and a half years ago I would never have dreamed I would be running a successful business, let alone win a national award for it.

“My business came about after learning art skills when I was receiving PTSD treatment from Combat Stress – even the name of my company reflects my battle with mental health issues, coming from a video we were shown during treatment where depression was called ‘the black dog’.

“It’s an honour to be recognised amongst such an amazing group of people and it shows how far I’ve come.”

Ben Rossi, founder of the global Forces in Business Awards series, said: “Supporting the transition of service members into meaningful second careers isn’t a charitable cause, a PR exercise or a CSR box-tick. It’s a proven strategy for unlocking and accessing exceptional talent. This year’s winners are not only high achievers – they are powerful role models for others treading the same daunting path that they once did.”

Clare was presented with the award at the Awards Gala at The Grosvenor House London, Park Lane.