NEWS
Read the latest updates and view archived articles from Walking With The Wounded's 'Walking Home Home For Christmas' December campaign.
Brendan's Veteran Story
By Walking With The Wounded on
Every penny you raise for Walking Home For Christmas will support people like Brendan...
Served in N.Ireland, Kosovo and the Falklands in a 12 year spell with 3 Para before doing a further 14 years as an Army Medic.
He was diagnosed with PTSD believed to be from his first-hand involvement of treating casualties returning from various conflicts – and was reluctantly medically discharged from the Army two years after suffering a stroke.
Brendan was referred to the NHS Veterans team after his PTSD flared up while being treated in hospital for an infection. They referred him to WWTW to find a job which would help with his mental health.
"Mentally, I was on the floor when I was referred to WWTW. My Employment Advisor picked me up and changed my life 100 percent. He is worth his weight in gold.’"
Brendan was keen to kick-start his own business as a Personal Trainer for the disabled. Thanks to WWTW and Brendan’s active determination, he now has 6 individuals and a care home as clients, and he has turned his garage into a gym for his training sessions.
Brendan is extremely happy with how things have worked out and both his mental state and physical health have improved now that he has a focus in life.
"Walking With The Wounded has done so much for me. If anyone ever finds they’re in a bad situation, they should get in touch and get help."
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Toby's Story
By Walking With The Wounded on
Serving in the Royal Engineers for four years, Toby’s deployment to Serbia was a life-changing time resulting in lasting mental trauma. Only 21 when he left the military, Toby’s transition back into civilian life was not straightforward and he relied heavily on drink.
His life started to implode until he was finally diagnosed with PTSD and help came through veteran services. Toby was initially in the RAF cadets when he was 17, but when looking for a career he decided to enlist in the Army. He qualified as an HGV driver with the Royal Engineers and he enjoyed military life, making strong and lasting friendships with the guys he served with.
Toby was eventually diagnosed with PTSD and received intensive treatment at Combat Stress, the...
Leanne's Story
By Walking With The Wounded on
Leanne’s military service with the Royal Corp of Signals was cut short when she was medically discharged after being injured in training. Initially she transitioned back into civilian life well, and used her military skills in the security industry.
When her brother was tragically killed in a car accident some years later, however, Leanne struggled to cope. She tried to keep a ‘stiff upper lip’ but gradually developed severe depression and anxiety, made worse by the long hours and shiftwork her demanding job required. She knew she needed a change.
Applying for a variety of roles, Leanne never seemed to have the right experience and, over the next two years, her applications were repeatedly turned down. Finally she was offered a job, but...
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...