NEWS

Read the latest updates from Walking With The Wounded's 'Walking Home ' winter campaign


Ally's Story

By Walking With The Wounded on

Ally was born and raised in North London and after school he went on to college to study for a degree. He got married and had 2 children and worked hard to support his family. As a young man with ambitions, he set up his own close protection company. It was whilst at work that he suffered a significant injury that left him feeling bereft, as if he had lost a part of himself. Ally wanted and needed a new role in life, one that offered support and reliability. He chose the Army.

In 2009, Ally joined the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) and served in the Reserves whilst continuing to maintain his business commitments. He later transferred to 7th Battalion The Rifles and in 2013 he was deployed on active duty to Afghanistan as part of Op Herrick. It was a precarious moment in the war, and a few months into his tour, Ally’s duties changed radically - from active conflict into a peacekeeping role. The situation on the ground was unpredictable. Although he safely completed countless patrols, Ally did not come away unscathed. One day he witnessed the full force of a large explosive device when it detonated just outside the gates of his camp. It resulted in casualties and loss of life and for many years after, Ally suffered from Survivor’s Guilt and was left angry and traumatised. Even when he returned home to England, there was no respite, and he was immediately thrown into a new fight – the fight to keep his children. It became an all-encompassing battle. He went to court several times and spent all his savings on lawyers until there was no money left. He lost his business and became homeless. For 2 years he and the children relied on the generosity of his close friends for accommodation. Ally then represented himself in court and ultimately, he won the day and the right to keep his children. They have now been living with him for 10 years.

Ally later became a caseworker for SSAFA, advocating for veterans and their families. Having helped others for so long, it was now time for Ally to get his own help and support. He had been carrying his emotional distress for many years and at times it had led him to some very dark places. He approached NHS Op COURAGE (the NHS veterans mental welfare support team) who helped him address these longstanding issues. He was then referred to Jonathan, an Employment Advisor at Walking With The Wounded to get advice and support to begin the next steps in his career.

Initially, Jonathon managed to secure Ally several job interviews working in close protection, and he also recommended Insight Days and recruitment events for him to attend. More recently, Jonathan has sourced the £1400 Ally needed to complete a PRINCE2 Training Course in Project Management and then secured CIC funding for £390 to register Ally’s new company Matglen Veterans, as a limited company.

Serving Soldier embarks on sponsored walk from Munster Barracks on a circular walk via Richmond to support veterans and their families this December

By Media Team on

Seun Ayoola Olagunju, a serving member of the Royal Lancers, and a team of fellow soldiers took on a sponsored walk on December 10th in aid of veterans and their families. Seun and his team walked from their barracks in Munster (Catterick) on circular walk via Richmond Castle, covering a distance of 12 miles. The team are raising money for Walking With The Wounded’s ‘Walking Home’ campaign.

Commenting on his upcoming challenge, Seun said, “I care deeply about giving back to and supporting my friends and neighbours in whatever capacity I can. This is another opportunity for me to do so and I hope it goes a long way for veterans and their families.

I am not undertaking this alone. I am proud to be part of a team supporting Walking Home. A...

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Blaenau Gwent resident to complete Welsh Three Peaks Trail in support of veterans this winter

By Media Team on

Blaenau Gwent resident, Ethan Bromwell, is lacing up his walking boots this December for the sixth year in a row as he and his friend take on the Welsh Three Peaks Trail in aid of our annual winter fundraising campaign, Walking Home.

Commenting on his reasons for supporting the charity, Ethan said: “Ever since watching my first black and white war film with my dad when I was a child, I had always wanted to join the Armed Forces, specifically the Royal Navy. I started off as a Sea Cadet and then once I’d finished college and turned 18, I applied for the Royal Navy with the hopes of becoming a marine engineer. I passed the first medical and entrance exam and was on course to join, but unfortunately didn’t pass the eye test due to the...

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Carl's Story

By Walking With The Wounded on

Carl served in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment for five years. Carl was in Poland, completing his pre-deployment training exercises (prior to a tour of Afghanistan) when he fractured his spine. Unfortunately, his injury was not investigated immediately and this led to Carl developing Scheuermann’s Disease, a deformity of the lower vertebrae. After 9 months of extreme discomfort, he finally received an x-ray, and the spinal fracture was revealed. He was sent to Headley Court for treatment but by that time, it was too late to repair. Carl now permanently suffers from intermittent severe and debilitating lower back and leg pain.

Carl did not want to leave the military; he would still be serving now if he was physically able to do so. The...

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