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Read the latest updates and view archived articles from Walking With The Wounded's 'Walking Home Home For Christmas' December campaign.
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 situation changed his life, all his military goals and ambitions were gone, and he was forced to move on.
After struggling with low-paying jobs due to his condition, Carl also faced mental health challenges and unemployment.
In 2019, he sought help from WWTW, where Employment Adviser Steve supported him in finding work suited to his needs. Despite setbacks, Carl completed a fully funded cyber security course and, with Steve’s help, secured a remote role as a Digital Forensics Technician at Sedgwick’s International. This job has transformed Carl’s life, restoring his confidence, financial security and optimism for the future. Now working from home, Carl and his family enjoy a better quality of life, and he is set to receive his military pension soon.
"I had been on disability benefits for a few years, but I desperately needed to get a full-time job to boost the family income. I got in touch with WWTW for help and Steve came to see me at home and we had a chat about my job aspirations and requirements. He put together my CV and started to look for jobs for me, ones that would be achievable for me. After I had completed a 3-month Cyber Security course and the job at Sedgwick’s came up, everything fell into place. It was perfect and working for them has changed my life completely. It has boosted my mood and my confidence. I have purpose and fulfilment once again and that’s all thanks to Steve’s hard work."
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John's Story
By Walking With The Wounded on
Inspired by his Grandad’s WW2 stories, John always dreamed of joining the Army. He served with the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in Germany, training as a Signaller and Gunner Driver before progressing to special operations and reconnaissance.
John was being fast-tracked for promotion when his father became seriously ill and needed a triple bypass. Given the risk, John was granted a special waiver to leave the Army immediately so he could be at home. Thankfully, his father survived.
Missing his military career, John found work with the local council fitting exterior doors. In March 2016, however, his spine catastrophically collapsed following years of heavy lifting. He was told he would never work again. Severe mobility problems,...
Zoe's Story
By Walking With The Wounded on
Inspired by her father and grandfather’s passion for aviation photography, Zoe dreamed of joining the RAF. After COVID-19, she made that ambition a reality, overcoming a challenging 10 weeks of basic training despite being a slow runner and suffering an abductor strain.
With a natural aptitude for technology, Zoe trained at RAF Cosford as a Cyberspace Communications Specialist, working with ground-based systems, IT infrastructure and the security of UK military networks. She thrived in the role and joined the RAF Cycling Development Team.
Her next posting at RAF Waddington involved demanding, high-security work. The isolation, relentless pressure and stress gradually took their toll, and Zoe was eventually medically discharged...
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...