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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.
Robert's Veteran Story
By Walking With The Wounded on
‘WWTW meant absolutely everything. They really cared, and now I am a lot better man than I have been for years.’
Robert enlisted in the Army and joined the Royal Artillery, serving for 8 years.
10 years later, in 2006, Robert re-enlisted with 609 (West Riding) Squadron RAF Reserves, and was deployed to Afghanistan with 3 Squadron RAF Regiment (Regular Unit). It was a ‘full-on’ tour lasting 7 months. Robert began to experience problems adjusting to civilian life - he couldn’t sleep or cope with life and he was unable to understand why. He struggled on for five years but eventually his mental health got the better of him and he had a breakdown in March 2013.
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In 2017, after years of trying to get help, his need for support was finally identified and he was referred to WWTW. The Head Start team at WWTW swiftly arranged for Robert to receive EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy).
After 12-14 sessions of treatment Robert had clarity and a better understanding of his feelings. It provided him with immense relief and the skills and knowledge of how to manage his life and trauma better.
‘I was very doubtful about EMDR therapy at first but it really did work. My issues will always be there but now I have adapted and I know how to manage my feelings.’
Robert has since decreased his stress levels at work and is now happily employed as a HGV driver. He has tremendous support from his family who have always been 100% behind him.
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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
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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.
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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...