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