A man has created a challenge to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

David Baum, 58, from The Studios, in Bushey, who was diagnosed with PTSD after his wife was diagnosed with cancer, created the 365 Challenge by evolving the 22 x 22 x 22 challenge which started in the US.

Mr Baum worked out the US challenge, which recognise the 22 ex-service men and women who commit suicide every year due to PTSD, did not take into consideration the thousands of people who are diagnosed each year.

He said: “When I was at school I was bullied mercilessly, it could have been because I was Jewish or not very tall or slightly chubby or wore glasses or that I was not brilliant at football.

“Unfortunately bullies never tell you why they are beating you up other than they think it is funny or even a bit of banter.

“When I left school I thought I would move on but whenever I saw one of the bullies I would come out in a cold sweat and want to walk the other way.”

Mr Baum then had a number of car smashes and when he tried to get on with his life every time he heard the sound of a car smash or saw a fight he would break out into a cold sweat.

His wife, Mel, was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago and it was then he realised he had to tackle the demons haunting him.

He said: “Through counselling I came to realise that the bullying was not my fault and accidents happen.

“Through a number of sessions I was able to shake myself free of the traumas of my younger self.

“However, many are not so lucky. This is the reason why I created the 365 Challenge.”

Mr Baum approached Mind – a leading mental health charity – and The Gym Group, in Watford, who agreed to back the 365 Challenge.

The challenge is split in to four parts. Part one is from day one to 99 when the participant has to perform 22 reps of an exercise every day.

Day 100 to 199 the number of reps increase to 30. Day 200 to 299 it is 40 reps a day with the final 65 days the participant has to complete 50 reps.

Unlike other charity challenges or dares, nobody is asked to make any donations or nominate anyone else.

The person undertaking the Challenge is asked to commit to it and post films on social media asking their connections to ‘like’ and ‘share’ – the most effective way to increase awareness of PTSD.

Mr Baum, who is currently on day 164, said: “I ask that people like and share my efforts, to draw attention to the fact that you do not have to be a member of the armed forces, a member of the police or emergency services to develop PTSD anyone can.”

The 365 Challenge can be followed on: www.facebook.com/busheybaums.