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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.
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 Veterans’ Mental Health charity. As part of this, he took part in Art Therapy and found it to be a very powerful part of his treatment. ‘You would draw or write something very personal, very deep and dark and then be asked to share it with the group. It was tough.’
Toby continued his treatment through Op COURAGE for a year before he was referred to Joanne, his Employment Advisor at WWTW and they discussed possible plans for the future. He had initially considered going back to work, but Joanne thought that it might be better for him to try volunteer work to help build his confidence, re-apply skills and re-socialise him. Joanne talked to Toby every week and together they set small achievable goals so that he never felt overwhelmed.
Over the last year, Toby has really spread his wings. He is using his creative skills again and runs some local community art sessions and has himself produced three pieces of art that were displayed at the Veterans’ Art Exhibition in St Pancras Hospital, London.
Toby also volunteers at a food bank hub and raises funds for the hub by making and selling key rings, dog leads and collars made from para chord. He arranged a local walk and talk group (with support from the local mental health service) with a view to organising camping trips in the future.
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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...
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...