NEWS
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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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...