Type of Story

Title to go hereBy XXX

Ordinary People. Extraordinary Efforts. Spring 2016

My Year of Challenges – Page 28Counting the Cost – Page 16Collect for Heroes – Page 14

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Dear H4H Supporter,

Charities are currently in the media spotlight. People are concerned that their hard earned donations are being used properly and they are right to have such concerns.

Let us reassure you about Help for Heroes.

Our experienced Board of Trustees work closely with the Charity Commission to assure best practice. Our accounts and all details of our governance are professionally audited and reported on transparently in our Annual Report. We work together with the three Services and MoD to support those whose lives have been affected and we do so in partnership with The Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Combat Stress and many others. In fact, on page 23 you can find a letter from the Commander of the Field Army, Lt Gen Sir James R Everard, supporting our partnership.

Our staff are passionate about how we help ‘the blokes’, the men and women of our Armed Forces, to rebuild their lives. Many of our team have served, some have been wounded themselves, and all are dedicated to doing the best we can to help. When we read unfounded and inaccurate criticism, we are hurt but we get on with our job, confident that we are doing the right thing. We are engaged in delivering a unique level of support to the wounded, injured and sick and we are proud of what we do. The true test though is to hear from those we help, that’s what really counts. At the end of the day that’s what this is about; ‘it’s about the blokes’. It was when we started, it is now and with your help it will continue for as long as it’s needed.

Thank you for your support. It is hugely appreciated.

Onwards and upwards,

Bryn and Emma ParryCo-Founders, Help for Heroes

Welcome to Heroes Magazine

Welcome to Heroes

Production Team:Editor: Ela Le Galloudec

Editorial Team: Ed Dixon, Alexandra Hodges, Clare Dunn, Guy Arnold, Morwenna Smith, Vicki Johnson, Gemma Attew, Jill Waddington

Graphic Designer: Sarah Duncan

Photography: Roger Keller, Mark Dawson

Contact

Help for Heroes, Unit 14, Downton Business Centre, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3RB

Privacy and our use of your dataIf you no longer wish to receive our magazine, please email marketing@helpforheroes.org.uk or call 01725 513212 to unsubscribe

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Latest News 2News roundup from our supporters and beneficiaries

Moto Goes the Extra Mile for our Heroes 4Read how Moto have raised a million for our Heroes

Tommy’s Story 6Tommy’s journey to recover from psychological injury

Friends 8Join us as Friends this summer

A Ride to Remember 10Steve McCulley’s BBBR experience

Fundraising 12All the fundraising tips and tricks you need

National Collection Days 14Join in the fun of National Collection Days this spring

Hidden Wounds 500 15We’re so proud of those who have sought support for Hidden Wounds

Counting the Cost 16Discover the true human cost of conflicts since 1991

Why Tattoos? 17Behind the scenes of the Together, Rebuilding Lives campaign

Dean’s Story 18How Dean rebuilt his life after injury in Afghanistan

Sports Recovery 20Find out how Sport is helping our Heroes heal

Thank You From the Army 23A letter from Lt Gen Sir James R Everard KCB CBE, Commander Field Army

Brian’s Story 24Brian found the light at the end of the tunnel

One Bite at a Time 26How you can support our Heroes by eating!

Anna's Story 28Anna Shaw took on three challenges in a year – find out why

Last Post 30Rob Cromey-Hawke writes a letter to himself on the day he was injured

Contents

Contents

18

28

“I’m 62 going on 63 and I didn’t think there was a light at the end of the tunnel. But Help for Heroes

turned out to be there with a torch looking for me.”

Brian Kilgannon, H4H Beneficiary

cricketing

14

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By Ed Dixon

Town in Week-Long H4H Fundraiser For the fourth consecutive year, The Dungeon Inn, alongside other establishments in the town of Tottington, came together for a whole week of fundraising in November. The events put on included a lunch of remembrance, gala dinner and quiz and all proved to be a great success.

The pub’s landlord, Andrew Eccles, said: “We have a huge amount of respect for our wounded Servicemen and women. Their strength, bravery and sheer determination are astounding and we feel that we should do our part as a community to collect what we can to help with their ongoing recovery.”

To Andrew and all those involved, thank you for raising

an astonishing £12,108.

Latest News

Our Supporters

Tiny Tempy Raises Funds for ‘The Blokes’ 4-year-old fundraiser Tempy completed a 100 metre swim to raise money for H4H and to show soldiers how much she loves them.

The furthest Tempy had ever swum before was 25 metres, but she was determined to complete the challenge. She managed to do it in less than 12 minutes and raised £53.

Thank you so much for helping to make a difference Tempy, you’re a star!

News in BriefProduct News Flash –Support our Corporate Partners to help our Heroes.

Watch out for the Ginsters limited edition Hero recipe pasty. Available from early May, it’s a tasty British beef and horseradish recipe specially designed by Armed Forces Veterans.

Check out the new Wingman Shower Gel range, exclusive to Tesco supermarkets.

Great news; Help for Heroes Blonde Ale, created

by H4H beneficiaries and brewed by Marston’s, is back on sale in Marston’s pubs.

A Birthday to Remember

To celebrate her 80th birthday, Dorothy

Beaumont decided to have a party with a difference. Asking for donations instead of presents she raised a brilliant £260. Thanks Dorothy, we hope you had a great day!

Tempy at H4H Recovery Centre, Tedworth House

H4H Makes Grants to Smaller Charities

Help for Heroes’ ongoing commitment to working with specialist charity partners has continued in 2016.

14 organisations, including Alabare, Mission Motorsport and Winston’s Wish have all received grants to enable them to continue to provide support to our wounded, injured and sick and their families.

For more information on other charities we support visit www.h4hweb.com/h4hgrants

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By Ed Dixon

News in BriefBand of Brother Nominated for Soldiering On Award

Jon Giemza-Pipe, who

will be discharged from the Armed Forces after 22 years due to serious hip and back injuries, and his canine partner Toby, have been nominated for the People’s Choice Award at the 2016 Soldiering On Awards. The prestigious accolade marks the inspirational achievement of those who have triumphed in the face of adversity. Good luck Jon!

“Help for Heroes has given me back my independence.”

Kes Bradley, a former Army medic who suffers from PTSD, has used H4H’s Pathfinder Experience to help her start a new career. Whilst on the course she discovered a passion for vehicle mechanics and was put in touch with H4H’s charity partner Mission Motorsport. Kes is now undertaking a vehicle mechanics level three diploma and is working with Arnold Clark, – Europe’s largest independent car dealer.

a prosthetic limb shattering, to raise funds for Help for Heroes, Blesma and Prince Harry’s Endeavour Fund.

Speaking soon after docking, Cayle said: “Although totally exhausted we are ready to celebrate the fact we have just conquered the world’s toughest ocean rowing race. There is life beyond injury – that’s our message, we hope it’s out there!”

Congratulations guys on your unbelievable achievement and for being an inspiration to us all.

History Made by Row2Recovery TeamCayle Royce, Paddy Gallagher, Nigel Rogoff and Lee Spencer have become the first all-amputee crew to row the Atlantic Ocean. Setting off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands they docked in Antigua 46 days, 6 hours and 49 minutes later.

The team, who aptly named their boat ‘Legless’, completed the unassisted 3,000 mile challenge through storms and numerous setbacks, including

Latest News

The People You’ve Supported

H4H Beneficiary Wins at Arts AwardsMartin Wade, who served in the Army for 15 years before being medically discharged due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has been awarded the top prize in the Wounded, Injured and Sick category for his painting ‘Never Ending

Story’ at the Army Arts Exhibition in Salisbury, Wiltshire. He says: “Art has been my companion. It is the key component in my toolbox I use to cope with the daily challenges of PTSD.”

The Row2Recovery Team victorious in Antigua

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Corporate Partner

By Clare Dunn

Julie also explained that raising money for the Charity was so enjoyable that it impacted her personally spurring her on to become a trustee for MITC, “Seeing how my team felt about the charity and raising money over the last few years made me want to join the board – Help for Heroes has helped me as much as we’ve helped them!”

MITC have also seen their employee engagement boost due to the partnership with Help for Heroes and many of

At Help for Heroes, we have an incredible network of corporate supporters and are delighted to announce that one of our partners, MOTO Hospitality Ltd, have achieved an outstanding feat and reached the fundraising mark of £1m for our beneficiaries!

First getting involved in Help for Heroes through their charitable arm Moto in the Community Trust (MITC) in 2012, their charitable donations have increased hugely (in fact they more than doubled in the first year) and found that supporting Help for Heroes hasn’t just captured their customers' hearts but also their staff’s. Brian Larkin, the chairman of MITC said that “Help for Heroes is the best charity we’ve worked with, they’ve provided us with a lot of support and are always on the phone when we need them. We’re really impressed with their lines of communication and are so pleased with how our partnership has developed.”

Every year MOTO staff organise two national collection weekends for H4H and a special collection for Armed Forces Day. Last June staff took part in the Hero

Moto Goes the ExtraRide by collectively cycling 15,584 kilometres on a static bike! Julie Sturgess, a trustee of MITC and a MOTO General Manager, picked ‘Hero Ride: The MOTO Challenge’ as her stand-out Help for Heroes moment saying “All the staff wanted to get involved, even when we were down to the last minute, people were still waiting in line to get on the

bike and do their bit.”

“Getting involved with Help for Heroes

has been so rewarding, particularly the mentoring

aspect where I’ve been able to work with the beneficiaries.”

Brian Larkin, Chairman of MITC presents a cheque for £400k to Emma Parry

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Corporate Partner

Mile for our Heroesdonations – we raised £400k for the charity this year and want to increase that to a larger donation for 2016,” said Brian.

Julie and John Wilkie, General Managers at MOTO Lymm are looking forward to another Hero Ride challenge, and not just because the stores like to get into a bit of friendly competition when it comes to who can ride the furthest and raise the most! “We can’t wait to get involved in this year’s ride – we’re determined to raise more! We had such a fantastic time this year and were delighted when volunteers from Help for Heroes came along to help, we can’t wait to make it bigger and better.” Bring on 2016!

“MOTO, I would like to say a sincere thank you for your efforts in fundraising. £1 million is simply an outstanding amount that will benefit those that need it most. Everyone involved at MOTO in raising this inspires all of us to go the extra mile."

Jamie Hull, Beneficiary Ambassador

the staff have developed a personal connection to the Charity. “Getting involved with Help for Heroes has been so rewarding, particularly the mentoring aspect where I’ve been able to work with beneficiaries – it’s amazing to see the hard work, time and effort everyone puts in" says Guy Latcham, IT Director and MITC Trustee. Staff at MITC have also said that Help for Heroes has made everyone at MOTO feel important and part of the vital and valuable work that is done to help our

‘blokes’ recovery. “Everyone understands Help for Heroes and can build a connection with the cause. It’s incredible to see input from the Charity into MITC for all teams. As a National Charity Partner, we simply couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Despite all of their success so far, MOTO have no plans to stop anytime soon. “We’re delighted to be entering into our 5th year of partnership with Help for Heroes and can’t wait to see how we can boost

Brian Larkin, Chairman of MITC presents a cheque for £400k to Emma Parry

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Hero Story

By Gemma Attew

Taking Control of

That is when the PTSD wheels started moving.”

Tommy quickly went from being outgoing and bubbly to being aggressive, moody and suffering flashbacks.

“I just went into a shell,” he explained. “I knew my behaviour was wrong but I couldn’t do anything about it.”

Things became so bleak that Tommy felt suicide was his only option.

“PTSD is a way of life and it’s a dark and scary place. You genuinely feel like the

It was terrifying, it felt like an eternity. At 18, it puts a lot of things into perspective. The hostility alone is frightening. I certainly had my eyes opened.”

Little did Tommy realise, his worst experience was still to come when he was sent on exercise in Gibraltar. Here, he suffered an event that had a devastating lasting effect; he was sexually assaulted.

“When it first happened, I was really, really embarrassed. I was disgusted in myself and didn’t want to tell anyone.

For Tommy Lowther, the thought of one day launching his own charity for injured Veterans was a dream far out of reach. For over 15 years he battled PTSD demons that brought him to the brink of suicide. Yet those closest to him now describe him as ‘an inspiring character with a massive heart’. From the outside it is hard to understand, why, for so long, he felt worthless and thought his destiny was to end up in a wooden box six feet under the ground.

Having grown up in a small town in County Durham, he described how he felt like ‘a boy in a man’s world’ when he was posted to Northern Ireland at just 18-years-old.

Serving with the First Battalion Light Infantry, Tommy described how every day he ran on adrenalin and lived in relentless fear for his life. He faced a constant stream of petrol bombs, bricks and burning tyres.

One moment still lives with him vividly; the day he was set on fire. “I was leaning against a crowd control obstacle with my armadillo shield and a petrol bomb came towards me. I was dowsed. I remember opening my eyes and seeing flames lick up underneath my visor. I got pulled into the crowd, stamped on, kicked and punched.

Tommy (R) with his mentor Martin (L)

“If it hadn’t been for Help for Heroes and

Pathfinder, Sporting Force would never have taken

off. It has changed me for the better.”

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Hero Story

His Life – Tommy’s Storymassive heart. Knowing I have made a difference in his life is huge for me.

We are on this path together and I am very proud to be walking alongside him.”

Thanks to Pathfinder, Tommy’s own charity, Sporting Force, was born. Working in partnership with professional sport clubs, it offers work placements to wounded, injured and sick Veterans. This could be in hospitality, marketing, ticketing, coaching, physio and more. Sporting Force already has links with Premiership Clubs as well as other Championship and League One clubs such as MK Dons, QPR, Reading and Leeds.

Tommy said: “If it hadn’t been for Help for Heroes and Pathfinder, Sporting Force would never have taken off. It has changed me for the better and brought me much closer to the man I used to be.

“I never thought I’d be where I am now. For the first time in a long time, I’m proud of myself.”

The real turning point however was being placed onto the H4H Pathfinder course.

“Pathfinder literally saved my life,” he said. “It didn’t pull me out of the hole. It gave me the tools to pull myself out of the hole.

“It flipped from PTSD having a hold of me to me having a hold of PTSD. I wasn’t going to let it control me anymore.”

Tommy, like all Pathfinders, was matched with a civilian mentor, Martin Dewhurst. Martin explained: “Tommy is an inspiring character with a

world would be a better place without you. I couldn’t see how to get past it. I thought I’d do the world a favour.”

With his PTSD all-consuming and his mind trapped in past horrors, Tommy lost his first job after leaving the military. However, they persuaded him to get in touch with Help for Heroes, which is when things started to change.

He visited Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick and broke down in tears talking to a Support Hub Keyworker, which he said was 'a relief’.

What is Pathfinder?Pathfinder provides wounded, injured and sick Veterans with tools, support and time to help them successfully transition into their civilian life. The 3-phase programme (Inspire, Enable, Support) helps Veterans learn more about themselves, develop skills and identify new

opportunities.

Contact us today:

Tel: 01980 844257

Email: career.recovery@helpforheroes.org.uk

Tommy (R) with his mentor Martin (L)

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Join Our Friends

By Morwenna Smith

Come and Join our

Last year we launched Friends – a way for our supporters to engage more closely with Help for Heroes. All our Friends are given the opportunity to come and see for themselves how their continued support is positively transforming lives, each and every day.

Each year we host a number of unique events across our four Recovery Centres, where Friends are able to explore the facilities, meet staff, volunteers and beneficiaries and witness first-hand where their donation goes and the truly incredible difference it makes.

“They give so much for our country, it’s our duty to look after them”

“We arrived as donors and left as true Friends”

“The facilities and support that are provided are outstanding.“

At each Friends event you will:• Be welcomed by the Head of the Recovery

Centre and encouraged to ask questions.

• Be given an ‘access all areas’ tour of the centre.

• Meet a beneficiary ambassador who will tell their own personal story of recovery.

• Have time to mingle with staff, volunteers and other local Friends over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

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Join Our Friends

We’d love to see you at an event this year.Join us for an unforgettable day and see first-hand what a difference your support makes.

Tedworth House, Tidworth4 March, 20 May, 8 & 9 July

Phoenix House, Catterick11 March, 13 May, 9 & 10 Sept, 14 Oct

Naval Service Recovery Centre, Plymouth20 May, 16 & 17 Sept

Chavasse VC, Colchester15 & 16 July

To find out more about the events call the Friends team on 01725 514137 or email friends@helpforheroes.org.uk

Friends this Summer

Set up a direct debit for as little as £3 a month and become a Friend of Help for Heroes today.

You can sign up online at www.helpforheroes.org.uk/donate or call the team on 01725 514137.

What our Friends receive• Exclusive wristband and car sticker.

• Thank you letter from a beneficiary.

• Friends biannual newsletter.

• Invitation to a Recovery Centre.

• Dedicated team to answer your questions.

Dedicated team to

“Even more heart-warming is that you will always be there for them.”

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Hero Story

By Steve McCulley

but throughout the week I met new friends and learned more about those I already knew. I made the effort to ride with as many people as I could, and I felt overwhelmed by the incredible support from everyone there.

2. “The battlefield visits, where we heard from historians before services led by our Pedalling Padre, made the week extremely poignant and very moving. I am not religious; however the services were pitched perfectly and served as a very raw reminder of the sacrifices made in not only in WW1, but also in every conflict since.

3. “The sun was out on day one, which kicked off the ride perfectly. We also had glorious sunshine on the days we cycled into Paris and London, making those experiences extra special.

“With support from H4H, I have become a Cytech Level 3 Bike Technician and the first to own and utilise the revolutionary BioBike dynamic fitting system, of which there are currently only four in the world. All of those qualifications were made possible by H4H. None of which would have been possible without your amazing support and fundraising – thank you.”

Veteran Steve McCulley served for 17 years with the Royal Marines and saw operational tours in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. On Steve’s second deployment to Afghanistan he was targeted by insurgents who remotely set off an IED as he walked over it, leaving him with catastrophic injuries.

In 2014, Steve took on the Big Battlefield Bike Ride as part of his recovery. This is his experience.

“The BBBR was the first major challenge I have been able to participate in and it will remain etched in my memory for being the most amazing event. I have tried to think about why it was so special, and have come up with a number of things.

1. “The participants, staff and organisers were amazing. I already knew some of the people on the ride,

A Ride to RememberIt may surprise you to hear that I’m glad there was an extremely wet day mid-week. The ride that day became a real challenge for many and it gave us the chance to really pull together and get everyone through.

4. “I was given the amazing opportunity to meet the Queen, which was just incredible. The best thing about meeting the Queen was the fact that it was a shared experience with fellow beneficiaries and cyclists.

“The great news is that H4H runs bike rides every year. So you can ride and raise money to support me and my friends. I promise you, it is an amazing experience, which you will never regret. Your H4H bike ride will stay with you for the rest of your life.”

Sign up today by visiting www.h4hweb.com/h4hbikerides

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Type of Story

Title to go hereBy XXX

The Dawn Raid

Let’s Roll!Join our iconic Night Ride to London this summer,

cycling 100 or 50 miles alongside our Heroes.Chase the dawn across the Downs, conquer Box Hill before breakfast

and ride into London with the sunrise.

www.dawnraid100.org.ukRegistered Charity Number 1120920. Registered Scottish Charity Number SC044984.

3 July 2016Supported by

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Fundraising Help

By Jill Waddington

Grassroots FundraisingSo you want to fundraise, but how do you do it and where do you start? Shaving your head, completing an underwater obstacle course or jumping out of a plane certainly isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be.

Help for Heroes was built by thousands of people who got out there and ‘did their bit’. Not all of those people climbed Kilimanjaro or sat in a bath of beans! Fundraising doesn’t have to be extreme and it definitely doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be as simple as setting up an office fine box or giving up chocolate for a month.

There are so many fundraising ideas that can be organised easily and without breaking a sweat. Putting on a table-top sale, hosting a quiz and curry night or simply dressing-up for the day are just a few ways to get your fundraising off to a flying start. You can use national events or holidays as inspiration for your fundraising idea or event. So, why not get sponsored by your colleagues to dress in green for St Patrick’s Day, or hold an office sweepstake for the Grand National?

Fundraising gives you the perfect opportunity to do something exciting and get your family, friends and colleagues involved too.

Host a scrumptious BBQ (BBQ for Heroes), put on a cake sale (Bake for Heroes) or organise a workplace breakfast (Breakfast for Heroes). Smaller scale activities such as guess how many sweets in the jar, getting sponsorship for bets or dares, or even putting your spare change in a tin are all easy to arrange and top-up your fundraising.

Archie Pike

Archie has raised money for Help for Heroes for over six years, through collections and raffles. Archie is an ex-Serviceman himself, who served in the RAF Regiment during the Cold War. Archie is still continuing his fundraising today with his ongoing

collections and will continue "until I can’t drive or walk". Thanks Archie for all of your support, you are an inspiration to us all!

Sharon Dickinson

Sharon Dickinson’s father, Richard, was an incredibly passionate supporter of Help for Heroes and did lots of treks to fundraise for the Charity, including a walk from Stoke-on-Trent to Conwy Castle. He loved Help for Heroes and always promised to take his grand-children to the

top of Snowdon to raise more funds. Sadly, he passed away recently and so didn’t get to take this opportunity. Sharon and the family decided to fulfil her Dad’s promise and walk to the top of Snowdon with Richard’s ashes. They raised a fantastic amount of £2,720. Thanks Sharon and family, you are truly an inspiration.

Just remember that you can be as sporty, wacky or creative as you like. With a little support from your friends and colleagues you can get those pounds rolling in quickly, smash your fundraising target and also have a lot of fun!

Sharon’s Mother and Father

Archie Pike

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Fundraising Help

By Jill Waddington

We’ve Got Your BackThe prospect of fundraising can often be a daunting one but turning those pennies into pounds really is easier than you think. There is no need to worry; Team H4H has your back, and can help you achieve your target easily and without any stress!

Take a look at some of the most common questions asked by our fundraisers:

How can I help my friends and family to donate online?Setting up a JustGiving page only takes a few minutes and means you can share your fundraising adventure with everyone on social media. Remember to explain exactly why you’re raising money and include some photos. We can also provide you with paper sponsorship forms once you’ve registered with us.

How do I get promotional items?

The Charity has a range of ‘free of charge’ promotional items to support your fundraising. Once your fundraising has been approved, our Supporter Merchandise Team will help you select the most appropriate items for your event. Our tri-colour wristbands and lapel pin badges are the Charity’s promotional items to be given in recognition of a donation. The ‘suggested’ donation for the medium and large wristbands is £2 and the ‘suggested’ donation for the small wristband and the lapel pin is £1.

Did you know?1. If your donor is a UK tax payer, H4H could claim Gift Aid on their donation and receive an extra 25p for every £1 they give.

2. 20% of JustGiving donations are made after the event or challenge so keep sharing your page online and remind your friends and family of how well your challenge or fundraising event went!

3. Check your calendar for national dates or holidays and use them as inspiration for your fundraising. From a Valentine's Dance to a spooky Halloween dress-up day your calendar is the perfect place to find quirky ideas all year round. Check out your diary and get planning today.

4. Don’t forget to visit our website where you’ll find a handy A–Z of fundraising, packed full of different ideas to raise money. You’ll also find our Big Hero Quiz – making holding a Quiz Night a piece of cake.

We hope you’ll agree that fundraising really is a lot simpler than you think.

Team H4H is always here to answer queries and if you have any questions we haven’t answered, please write in and we’ll try and respond in the next edition.

Send your questions to us via email askh4h@helpforheroes.org.uk

How do I publicise my fundraising?The internet is a great way to connect with friends and family and keep them updated. Spread the word of your challenge or event and keep people engaged by posting training updates, blogs or photos. If you’re holding an event give out flyers, put up posters or contact your local newspaper and radio station to let them know what you’re doing! Don't forget that our Supporter Relationships Team will need to approve any collateral that uses the Charity's name or logo.

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National Collections

By Ed Dixon

For Mick Head and Nick and Kerry Thomas, joining together to spend a weekend collecting was the ideal way for them to support H4H:

“The weekend was a great success with everyone still smiling at the end of it including Hero Bear – even if he was a bit tired! Thank you to all who helped and made the weekend such a success. Everyone at the store was so supportive, particularly the security staff who were a great help in letting us in early to set up.”

At Help for Heroes, support from the general public, and our corporate supporters never fails to amaze us. Thanks to the generosity of the teams at Debenhams, Moto, Tesco and Asda, National Collection Weekends will be taking place at stores and motorway services throughout the year.

If you’re looking for something fun to do at the weekend and want to support our Heroes then this is a perfect opportunity to do your bit. From sparing a few hours bucket collecting to coordinating the weekend at your local store as a Volunteer Team Leader there’s something for everyone. Why not make a day of it and bring the family with you to help like Carol Winterbottom did last year at Asda:

“What a great weekend! I took my 8-year-old twins to help and we raised over £1,200. Fun was had by all and it was so nice to do it as a family.”

Do Your BitWhy not pop along to your local store and see for yourself just how much fun can be had while collecting for Heroes.

National Collection Weekends will take place on the following dates:

Moto: 25 – 28 March and 26 – 29 August

Tesco: 11 – 12 June

Asda: 2 – 3 July

Get in touch today and sign up by going to www.collectforheroes.org.uk

Collect for Heroes

HelpingHeroes

Carol’s twins collecting at ASDA

One of our wonderful volunteers, Pam Garland, taking part in a National Collection Weekend

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Psychological Support

By Alexandra Hodges

I never felt judged or pressured. They found a way to support me that was tailored to my own experiences, arranged at a pace that suited my life. Please give them a try; an email is all it takes to get in touch.”We’re thrilled to have been able to help 500 individuals so far – but there’s still so much more to do. If you’re a Veteran or a family member struggling with your mental health, or wanting to have a chat about it, get in touch with our Hidden Wounds team today.

It was so encouraging to know someone was ‘listening’ and that there might be a way forward.”We can also help those lacking motivation, feeling isolated, struggling to get up in the mornings, feeling down for long periods of time or finding themselves regularly worrying about things. The service has developed and our expert team can now also offer support for Veterans and Armed Forces families wishing to change their drinking habits. Additionally, there is a helping hand available to those struggling to manage their anger.

Support is available nationally by phone or Skype and face to face at our Wiltshire and Yorkshire Recovery Centres.

“Everyone I spoke to at Hidden Wounds was discreet, supportive, kind and empathetic;

In just over a year, our Hidden Wounds psychological wellbeing service has received lots of requests for support from those who want to find strategies to manage mental health. We are so proud of the 500 amazing individuals who have found the courage to reach out to ask for help whilst struggling with a whole range of mental health issues.

Our beneficiaries often tell us that taking the first step to getting help is the hardest, so we’re humbled that so many felt they could break their silence and reach out.

“It took me a while to work up the courage to get in touch, because I felt as if I was letting my husband and family down. Eventually I sent an email to Hidden Wounds, and received a reassuring reply the same day.

Helping 500 Heroes

Help for Heroes Hidden WoundsGet in touch today.

Phone: 0808 2020 144 (free from UK landlines and mobiles)

Leave us a message at: www.h4hweb.com/hiddenwounds

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By Alexandra Hodges

Future Need

What does it mean?

There are still many individuals and families who don’t realise they might benefit from support available to the Armed Forces community – including from the MoD, the NHS, the DWP or charities. It is up to every one of us to encourage those in need of a helping hand to get the support they need and deserve.

Together, we can rebuild lives.

Are you one of the 66,090? If so, get in touch with us today.

Phone: 01980 844280

Leave us a message here: www.h4hweb.com/rebuildinglives

Where can I read more?To find out more about the impact on Regulars and Reservists who served between 1991 and 2014, read the full report at: www.togetherrebuildinglives.org.uk

In January we launched a ground-breaking piece of research with Professor Neil Greenberg and Doctor Julia Diehle of King’s College London, the leaders in military mental health research. The study gave an insight into the future health needs of Veterans, Service Personnel and their families. We shared the findings with many of those who work to support the Armed Forces community, from the private, state and charitable sectors.

We’re hoping these brand new statistics will be used across the sector to plan and deliver the most joined-up and effective support possible for our beneficiaries.

What does this new research tell us?Between 1991 and 2014:

757,805 Regulars served in the British Armed Forces

235,187 Regulars deployed on one or more major Operation (including the first Gulf War, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq)

The majority will not need support, but…

36,506* Regulars were medically discharged

At least 66,090*, or 1 in 11, will need support

*These numbers may include a small number of Reservists

Counting the Cost

“My tattoo tells the story of my journey from the depths of despair to where I am now.” Lee James, H4H Beneficiary

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By Ela Le Galloudec

Together, Rebuilding Lives

The original concept turned into something in its own right – people were prepared to share their own stories behind the tattoos.

Ela: What was the photoshoot like?

Roger: It was great to see the concept evolve with the input of the participants and in the end it worked out better than I could have imagined.

Alexandra: This seemed to be a very personal experience for many of our beneficiaries; revealing their tattoos and sharing the stories behind them. But Roger immediately put everyone at ease.

Ela: Do you have a favourite photo from the shoot?

Roger & Alexandra: It’s impossible to choose just one, we’re proud of the whole series!

Roger Keller is the man behind ‘Together, Rebuilding Lives’ – a photo series that uses body art to express some of the psychological challenges Veterans, Service Personnel and their loved ones face.

Working with Alexandra Hodges, Senior Communications Officer at Help for Heroes, Together, Rebuilding Lives aims to tell our beneficiaries stories through their body art. The collection is incredibly powerful and the tales behind the tattoos speak of bravery, sacrifice and the power of hope. Here Roger and Alexandra talk to HEROES about the project.

Ela: Where did the idea to use tattoos for the Rebuilding Lives campaign come from and what was the thinking behind it?

Alexandra: I was keen to find a way to visualise psychological struggles that still maintained the strength and pride of the military. At Help for Heroes we want to empower those in need of help to come forward, so that we can support them to live beyond injury. For me the most powerful thing about tattoos is an experience affecting someone so profoundly that, even if they can’t vocalise it, it becomes a permanent feature on their skin. We put out an initial request for our beneficiaries to share their tattoos and the stories behind them, and got an overwhelming response.

Roger: As I got to know the Charity's beneficiaries I noticed many had interesting regiment-specific tattoos. Originally the idea, which surfaced during a brainstorming session with Alex, was to feature the tattoos to help people identify themselves with the photos. Along with the accompanying text, the hope was that this would encourage people to come forward to ask the Charity for help, especially those with psychological issues. As the project progressed and beneficiaries agreed to participate in the project, the personal meanings of their tattoos developed.

Tattoos: Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes at the Together, Rebuilding Lives photo shoot

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By Ela Le Galloudec

Hero Story

The force of the blast was so strong Dean was thrown clear of the vehicle. It is hard to imagine, but Dean was actually one of the lucky ones. His friend, Corporal Steven Dunn, was tragically killed.

Dean’s body had been battered by the blast and he sustained multiple injuries. But he doesn’t remember any of it. He explains: “I have post traumatic amnesia, which means my brain has lost the memory of the explosion and what followed.”

His surgeon’s biggest concern was that his brain was swelling fast, Dean continues: “They had no choice but to cut away half of my skull. I now have a titanium plate instead.”

Dean was facing a long journey to battle back from the injuries that had shattered his dreams.

However, his military training kicked in and he used characteristics he learnt in the Paras to help him on his road to recovery.

Joining the 2nd Parachute Regiment (Paras) in 2003, Dean Middleton had his sights set on a long and rewarding career in the British Military.

Over the next seven years Dean served his country around the world in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan.

His service ignited a flame and Dean started thinking about transferring to the pinnacle of the British Military – the SAS. He explains: “I found out I was I invited to selection for the SAS. My plan was to pass selection and live happily ever after.”

However, living happily ever after took on a whole new meaning when Dean and the 2 Paras deployed to battle the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2010.

On 21 December the 2 Paras rolled out in their vehicle to patrol the area they were protecting. They hit an IED and Dean’s world exploded.

Proud to be a Para

“I was that which others did not wish to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment’s love.

But most of all, I have lived the times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday, I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was and always be… a Paratrooper.”

Dean Middleton, H4H BeneficiaryDean Middleton’s tattoo & Rebuilding Lives images taken by photographer Roger Keller

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Hero Story

trooper – Dean’s Story

After time in both the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Dean was moved to the Brain injury Rehab trust (BIRT). It was here that he learnt how to live with his brain injury. He was also supported by an Army Personnel Recovery Officer who introduced him to Help for Heroes, believing the Charity could help Dean find a new passion in life.

When Dean visited the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Catterick he was excited to discover the Sports Recovery programme on offer. He explains: “Anyone will tell you the most frustrating thing when you’re a physically active soldier is sitting around not doing anything.

“Discovering I could take part in sport with Help for Heroes is one of the things that really helped me rebuild my life.”

What started as a spark of excitement on his first visit to the Recovery Centre has turned into a new passion and purpose for Dean. Impressed with Dean’s attitude and ‘won’t quit’ mentality, the staff asked him to join the gym team once he’d passed his fitness qualifications. Dean loves his job, he explains:

“I think that when lads come in and see me and hear my story it gives them some hope. I am lucky that I see people rebuilding their lives like I once did.”

Dean always remains thankful that he has been given a second chance at life. He’s taken on Ironman competitions and, in September 2015, completed the world’s toughest triathlon – the Arch to Arc, which was organised by Help for Heroes.

Competing as part of Team Inspire, Dean said he was ‘living the dream’ as he stood under the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, following 3 gruelling days and nights of running, cycling and swimming.

Throughout his service, and his subsequent recovery, Dean has been proud of all he has done to protect his country. Before he was injured in 2010, Dean got a tattoo that, after he was injured took on even more significance.

Speaking about what his tattoo means to him now, after all he has sacrificed because of his service, Dean says:

“My tattoo means what it says – word for word. I am proud of my service and sacrifice. At heart, I will always be a Paratrooper.”

Dean Middleton’s tattoo & Rebuilding Lives images taken by photographer Roger Keller

If you have been wounded, injured or sick whilst serving in the British Armed Forces in any conflict we may be able to help you and your family. We also support Veterans and military families struggling with poor mental health. Visit www.h4h4web.com/h4hgetsupport

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Sports Recovery

Ela: Beneficiaries that show talent and elite potential are supported by the SR programme to take their sport further if they want to. Can you tell us a little about how that works?

Jayne: Our athletes didn’t dream of being in the Paralympics – they wanted to serve their country. Through the Help for Heroes Sports Academy we can support those individuals in things like media training, education and grant support. Everything we do with a beneficiary on an elite track is geared towards enabling them to be the best athlete they can be. Each athlete is on a unique pathway so we design a bespoke programme for them, working at every step with our partners such as BPA, UK Sport, English Institute of Sport and National Governing Bodies.

Ela: Tell us about Rio – can you tell us if we’ll see beneficiaries competing there?

Jayne: We have a few military athletes on the longlist for Rio selection, and getting from the point of injury to the long list is a phenomenal achievement. Whatever happens in Rio the personal achievements of our beneficiaries already far outweigh what a medal could potentially bring. Joe is one of our athletes with Rio potential. Read his story on the next page.

Jayne Kavanagh has worked in elite sport since 2009. Through her work with bodies such as the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and UK Sport she’s been a key part of two Paralympic Games – London and Sochi.

Jayne now works as the Performance Pathway Manager at Help for Heroes, identifying and supporting talented wounded military athletes on an elite pathway. Here, Jayne talks to HEROES about the Help for Heroes Sports Recovery (SR) Programme.

Ela: Why Sports Recovery? Why does it help the guys and girls who have suffered either psychologically or physically?

Sporting SupportJayne: Sport is something that our beneficiaries have done all their lives so it is natural for them to be interested in Sports Recovery at Help for Heroes. Sport gives our beneficiaries the chance to rediscover their ability to build confidence, their sense of achievement and with it, their sense of empowerment. The biggest success we see is people taking control of their recovery – whether that’s riding a bike with their family or achieving a gold medal.

Ela: What is on offer to beneficiaries through the SR programme?

Jayne: Beneficiaries can get involved in so much through the SR programme. From trying a new sport for the very first time, to taking part in something like the Invictus Games to becoming an elite athlete, we offer support at every level.

Ela: The Invictus Games is grass roots sports at its very best – why do you think this is?

Jayne: The things that makes the Invictus Games (see page 22) so unique is that it doesn’t matter what your impairment is, it doesn’t matter how much experience you’ve got in sport – what matters is the impact taking part will have on your recovery.

By Ela Le Galloudec

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Sports Recovery

By Ela Le Galloudec and Ed Dixon

Joe’s Road to RioJoe was accepted onto the GB Para-Triathlon Programme and is now working towards his ultimate goal of competing at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. He has been supported by Help for Heroes throughout his journey, including funding for specialist equipment and competition entry. Joe is also part of the Charity’s Sports Recovery Academy: “Their focus is to give you the best chance to compete to your full potential. As an extra support network it’s phenomenal.

“It would be an incredible achievement to be selected for

Rio; I’d be over the moon. It’s something I’ve been solely focusing on for the best part of three years. I’ve been at my lowest and Rio would be the chance to be at my highest. Without Help for

Heroes and the donations from the public I probably

wouldn’t be on this awesome journey competing as a professional

triathlete. Thank you!”

Help for Heroes is proud to work with the British Paralympic Association to support wounded military athletes who hope to compete at the Rio Paralympics in 2016. Joe is just one of the Veterans we are supporting as he aims for selection as part of ParalympicsGB at Rio.

This is his story:

Joe Townsend was serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan in 2008 when he stood on an Improvised Explosive Device out on patrol: “I was thrown into the air, hit the floor and looked around to see who’d been hurt. Then reality struck – it was me. One of my legs was missing and the other was badly damaged, which would later be amputated.”

Less than 10 months later, Joe was out and about on prosthetics after being told he’d never walk again. Even though he’d already made incredible progress, the loss of his military career meant he knew his recovery was only just beginning: “I’d been going through rehab yet all I was doing was surviving. I’d got back to being independent but had no purpose. I wasn’t making any progress in life.”

That changed when Joe went to a sports training camp in San Diego, funded by Help for Heroes: “That trip ignited a fire within me. It opened my eyes to the world of adaptive sport and what was possible. That was the turning point in my recovery. It gave me a focus; I knew where I was going with my life again. Once I was using the adaptive equipment I felt free, my disability had become irrelevant. It wasn’t impairing me and that’s why I love sport. It’s a brilliant feeling.”

“Once I was using the

adaptive equipment I felt free, my disability had become irrelevant. It wasn’t impairing me and that’s why I love sport. It’s a brilliant

feeling.”

progress, the loss of his military career meant he knew his recovery was only just beginning: “I’d been going through rehab yet all I was doing was surviving. I’d got back to being independent

That changed when Joe went to a sports training camp in San Diego, funded by Help for Heroes: “That trip ignited a fire within me. It opened my eyes to the world of adaptive sport and

triathlete. Thank you!”progress, the loss of his military career meant

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 21

progress, the loss of his military career meant he knew his recovery was only just beginning: “I’d been going through rehab yet all I was doing was surviving. I’d got back to being independent

That changed when Joe went to a sports training camp in San Diego, funded by Help for Heroes: “That trip ignited a fire within me. It opened my eyes to the world of adaptive sport and

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Sports Recovery

Invictus Games Trials 2016

“It was a chance to link up with old friends from the Warrior Games and also a chance to finally meet people who I’d been talking to about the games. I came away with a big sense of achievement. For a lot of us getting to the trials and taking part was a challenge and success in itself.”

H4H beneficiary

“The entire weekend for me was amazing. To take part in sports with so many friendly people was fantastic and I believe it has furthered my recovery even more and given me back confidence I had lost.”

H4H beneficiary

In the words of our Beneficiaries

At Help for Heroes we know that sport is important – not just physically, but psychologically too. From improving confidence to helping with pain management, taking part in sport can change lives. This is why we offer access to sport at every level – from grassroots to elite.

Help for Heroes is delighted to be working in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion to support the UK Team for the 2016 Invictus Games. The Invictus Games 2016 will take place in Orlando from 8 – 12 May.

Help for Heroes is leading the work to train, select and develop the 100-strong UK Team. The Royal British Legion is leading work to support the team’s friends and families in the UK and US who play a critical and often unsung role in recovery. Jaguar Land Rover UK are proud supporters of the UK team.

In January over 180 beneficiaries attended the Invictus Games Trials with each person giving their all hoping to earn a place in the 100-strong team, which will be announced in April. This is their experience, in their own words.

“Just to say thank you, words are not enough to express how I feel. Moments like this we tend to take for granted. I certainly am not – it’s a great feeling and a unique moment in my life. This is the lift up I needed and for that I am grateful.”

H4H beneficiary

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Thank You From The ArmyBy Lt Gen Sir James R Everard KCB CBE, Commander Field Army

Dear H4H Supporter,

Help for Heroes (H4H) is an exceptional charity. No-one involved in the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan – or serving in the Armed Forces today – will forget what Help for Heroes have done, are doing (there are 1,633 wounded, injured and sick in the Army today) and will do for the men and women of the fighting Army.

So, H4H emerged in our hour of need and we love them for it. And they are staying the distance with investment in the H4H Recovery Centres, and again we love them for this. H4H deliver a national network of support that we could not do without, and have been a light in dark places for many of our injured as they re-build their lives.

H4H has learnt that passion, persistence and determination are the path to success in this world and there is nothing wrong with this.

My message is that our loyalty to H4H is not blind, but they are a redoubtable force for good and deserve our strong, strong support; we will continue to develop our excellent partnership with H4H and the Royal British Legion.

Kind regards,

Lt Gen Sir James R Everard KCB CBE, Commander Field Army

Thank You Letters

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Hero Story

By guy Arnold

Light at the End of

“They’re offering you tea but putting salt and ground up glass in it.”

Eventually Brian reached a point in his life where he was ready for the end, “I just wanted

to switch the light off.”

For months Brian considered suicide on a daily basis. Had he succeeded he would have left behind a wife and family of four children, ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Brian's life now is delicate, the voice of temptation very much active inside his mind. “It’s still an option, the option is still there.”

It was at this point, when Brian was very much in the wilderness, that a friend encouraged him to take the brave step of visiting Help for Heroes’ Recovery Centre in Plymouth, with the added appeal of Hero Ride sparking Brian’s interest.

Brian took on the Plymouth – London Hero Ride where he found himself helping fellow riders along the way. Speaking about this Brian said, “I find being able to help others makes me forget what my problems are.”

In 1969 Brian Kilgannon joined the Royal Marines in an attempt to escape his turbulent home life. His career saw him deploy to Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Norway as well as travelling the world on board a warship.

Brian worked hard to escape a difficult childhood, and his future in the Marines looked bright. However, things started to deteriorate for Brian as years of service led to psychological demons creeping in, he explains: “Not necessarily war demons but events horrific enough to bring on PTSD.”

Brian turned to alcohol to fight his demons. It was an easy escape. “That’s peace.” Brian said. “Alcohol will numb and put you in a dark place for hours.” But when Brian sobered up, he was once again plagued by the hellish things he’d seen on tour.

Brian carries his emotional trauma wherever he goes. “When you’ve lost your mind, the doctors can’t replace that. It’s up to you to replace the bit that’s missing. My PTSD works like this: it’s a tape recorder. It starts when you hit the play button and it runs all the way through. When it gets to the end, it stops, rewinds and starts again.”

Brian’s injuries aren’t just confined to his mind. On a tour in Norway he was involved in a skiing accident where his left kneecap was impaled by a ski pole and he is partially deaf in his left ear from an explosion in Northern Ireland. The memory of Northern Ireland still haunts him and is one of the mental demons he has to live with. “I came under contact four times in one day. The first time I ever came under fire I actually wet myself.” His experiences there instilled fear in his mind because he couldn’t always tell who the enemy was:

Dave (L) and Brian (R) at the Ginsters product development day

“I’m 62 going on 63 and I didn’t think

there was a light at the end of the tunnel. But Help

for Heroes turned out to be there with a torch

looking for me.”

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Hero Story

the Tunnel – Brian’s Story

For Brian, one particular highlight – and one that reflects the upward turn Brian’s life was taking – was riding with the baton from a disassembled stretcher used to carry real life wounded soldiers in battle.

Brian carried his baton the farthest. “I ended up giving one of the lads the baton when we got to Runnymede. They put the stretcher back together again, put wreaths on, and marched the stretcher off.”

During Hero Ride, not only did Brian discover the benefits of helping others, he also reignited friendships, especially at Plymouth. Upon arrival at the Recovery Centre, Brian was reunited with an old friend. “Larry was an old face, a friendly face, someone I knew.” It was at this point where help was finally at hand for Brian. Just being able to talk about his problems with Help for Heroes helped Brian realise the world of pain he was in. As these emotions took over, Brian broke down in front of Larry and cried his eyes out, something which the former Colour Sergeant says that you just don’t do in front of your peers.

Encouraged by his experience of Hero Ride, Brian applied to be part of a trip to the Ginsters of Cornwall bakery for a Product Development Day.

Brian was nervous but, as a keen cook, was excited at the chance to work in a professional, industrial-sized kitchen.

Brian and the others were there to help create a new pasty to go on sale which helps raise money for H4H. Their prep room was like a pasty-lover’s playground. When I started using carrots, I really did get a funny look and quickly learned you don’t put carrots in a pasty!" joked Brian. Nonetheless he thought the whole thing was “one hell of an experience. I believe Ginsters are doing a phenomenal job. Their support is going to help, and change someone else’s life, just like mine has been.”

Brian’s journey from signing up for the Marines, going on active service, and leaving the military behind has been traumatic. But thanks to Help for Heroes and the support it can provide, Brian is hopeful for the future. He said, “There is life after service and that’s what I tell everybody now. I’m 62 going on 63 and I didn’t think there was a light at the end of the tunnel. But Help for Heroes turned out to be there with a torch looking for me.”

Dave (L) and Brian (R) at the Ginsters product development day

Brian on the 2015 Hero Ride

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National Campaigns

By Vicki Johnson and Ed Dixon

Get Involved One

16 April to 2 May 2016

Get baking this spring and hold a bake sale or simply ask for a donation in return for a slice of cake at a get-together with friends.

You could even get your work colleagues involved by holding an office bake off, or brighten up your meetings with a selection of tea, cakes and pastries.

Or, why not get together with your local community and hold a special event.

Whatever you choose to do, we promise every single slice of cake really does make a difference.

Doing your bit for ‘the blokes’ doesn’t have to involve breaking into a sweat by climbing a mountain, running a marathon or getting soaking wet on a Tough Mudder.

You can just put on an apron and tuck into your favourite cake, grilled steak or breakfast goodies!

Anyone can get involved in our Bake for Heroes, Breakfast for Heroes and BBQ for Heroes campaigns. The fact that you’ll be supporting our Heroes, whilst making delicious food for friends, family and other H4H supporters too, will make that extra mouthful feel just a little less guilty.

Don’t worry if the campaign dates don’t work, you can always hold your event at a time that does.

13 to 26 June 2016

Make your breakfast extra special by making it a Breakfast for Heroes.

Whether it’s a Great British fry up, a Danish pastry or a fruit smoothie, gather your friends, family or colleagues for the perfect start to any day. You can even do it from home by simply popping some Alf Turner sausages (available at Sainsbury’s) and Eggs for Soldiers (on sale in Tesco and Co-Op) into your shopping basket, both of which make a donation to H4H for every pack sold.

Tesco will be supporting our campaign again this year with a Heroes Breakfast promotion across a range of goodies.

Win some fabulous prizes:Register your Bake for Heroes event and you’ll be entered into our free prize draw to win a Kenwood kMix, generously donated by Debenhams.

Create a cake around the theme ‘Great Britain’ and enter our competition to win a masterclass with the Head Chef at Gü desserts. (You must be over 18 to enter.)

We’d love our younger supports to join in too so if you know a budding baker tell them about our Young Supporters’ competition. Visit www.bakeforheroes.org.uk for more info.

Young Supporters CompetitionWe would love our younger supporters to join in this competition. The winner will win a ticket for a family of four to any Merlin attraction, including the Jurassic Skyline and Legoland.

*This competition is open to everyone aged 17 and under.

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National Campaigns

Bite at a Time

16 to 31 July 2016

You never know what you’re going to get with a British summer.

Come rain or shine there’s nothing quite like a nice BBQ. So, we’re calling on you to fire up your BBQ for ‘the blokes’.

BBQ for Heroes is a great excuse to get your nearest and dearest together for some tasty grub, good company and a worthy cause. All you have to do is ask for donations in exchange for food.

However you decide to do it, from inviting a few close friends over for a bite to eat in your back garden, celebrating the end of the school year with a BBQ for parents and pupils to putting on an event in your local pub, it all plays a big part in ensuring H4H can continue to provide enduring support to our Heroes.

To find out more and register for our campaigns, visit our websites or call 01980 846459 You’ll receive a FREE FUNDRAISING PACK full of promotional items. You’ll also find recipes and other ideas to make your event a success on our website.

www.bakeforheroes.org.uk

www.breakfastforheroes.org.uk

www.bbqforheroes.org.uk

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Challenges

By Ela Le Galloudec

Anna Shaw and Josh Boggi are a couple in love. However their love comes with its own unique reality; living with a life-changing injury sustained by Josh on the battlefields of Afghanistan in 2010.

Anna and Josh have been supported by Help for Heroes along every step of their journey. Anna explains: “We moved to Wiltshire to be closer to Tedworth House, which is where Josh does his handbike training. The problem was that our dream house could only be accessed by stairs. I think the biggest thing H4H have done is to provide us with a grant so that the outside of our house could be adapted to suit Josh’s needs. It also means I don’t have to piggy back him up 13 steps every time he has surgery!”

Inspired by everything the Charity has done to support her and Josh, Anna decided that it was her turn to give back by taking on three challenges to raise money for Help for Heroes – the Big Battlefield Bike Ride, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Sahara Trek. Here she talks to HEROES about her year of challenges.

My Year of ChallengesEla: You’re a normal person who took on three epic challenges. Why did you decide to do something so extraordinary?

Anna: I have always said ‘never say you can’t’. That’s why I choose to do these challenges because a lot of people doubted I could. Yes, they’ve been hard and pushed me to my limits but little me has cycled 350 miles, walked 100km across the Sahara and climbed Kilimanjaro. And I had the time of my life doing it.

Ela: You had to raise a lot of money – how did you find the fundraising?

Anna: To start with I freaked out because I had three challenges and a hell of a lot of money to raise. But I decided to look at each one as a separate challenge and tackle them individually.

Anna and Josh on the 2014 Big Battlefield Bike Ride

Anna’s two little feet carried her up to the roof of Africa

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Challenges

– Anna’s StoryEla: Was it hard to be away from Josh when you were on your challenges?

Anna: I thought about Josh on all my challenges, especially on Kilimanjaro. I remember thinking that Josh would love this even though he only has one limb. I think that’s what really got to me when I got to the top. Now, my dream is to do it again, but this time with Josh.

Ela: What kept you going when you had difficult days on the mountain?

Anna: I kept thinking to myself that I just need to keep my little feet moving. I was on the mountain to raise money for my Heroes. When I was at my worse with altitude sickness, I kept reminding myself that some people don’t get a break from their suffering. My suffering was a drop in the ocean. It wasn’t going to last forever but some of the people I was raising money for will suffer for the rest of their lives. It really put things into perspective.

Ela: What would you say is the most important thing you’ve got from doing your year of Challenges?

Anna: The best thing I’ve got from my challenges is really falling in love with cycling. It is something Josh and I can go and do together. There are lots of things we can’t do together – like going on long walks – but, we both love cycling and to share an activity like that with Josh is just the best gift.

You can read more of Anna’s story by visiting www.h4hweb.com/h4hherostories

I worked hard to raise the money and did lots of different events, like a wine and cheese night and a quiz night. Sharing my JustGiving page on places like Facebook and Twitter really helped too. The biggest thing that motivated me to raise as much as I could was knowing that every penny I raised would help people like Josh.

Ela: If you had to pick out one moment from each challenge that you will always remember, what are they?

Anna: My most memorable moment on the bike ride was cycling down the Champs-Élysées with a police escort. For the Sahara Trek, it has to be riding a camel; it was my reward at the end. On Kilimanjaro, the thing I’ll remember most is the time at night with everyone; we were one big family and it was just such a special atmosphere.

Ela: Which challenge was your favourite?

Anna: Without a doubt Kilimanjaro. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever done in my life. I remember coming down the mountain, and just thinking to myself ‘holy cow, I’ve just climbed to the roof of Africa and I’m now going back home to tell everyone about it’. I was so proud of myself, and so excited to tell everyone about it. Especially Josh.

The camel selfie that got Anna through the Sahara Trek

Coming SoonWhy not join Anna on her next life changing challenge – the Everest Base Camp Trek. Coming to the H4H website in Summer 2016, you can register your interest now by visiting www.h4hweb.com/h4heverest

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www.helpforheroes.org.uk30 www.helpforheroes.org.uk30

By Rob Cromey-Hawke, who writes to himself at point of injury in Afghanistan 2012

The Last Post

Dear Rob (in 2012),

I’m writing this to give you some much needed advice for the future. I know you don’t listen to yourself, but I hope you take a moment to read to the end of this letter. You may think some points are ‘not applicable to you’, but I know they will stick in your mind and give you some direction when you most need it in the hard times ahead.

So, here it goes. You like being told straight so take these points however you want. Regardless of how you feel, remember them:

1. Right now you’re in pain, on lots of tablets and feeling uncertain as to how bad things are. But, you know many friends and colleagues that have gone through similar experiences who have gone on to achieve things that you’ve been amazed and inspired by. You can do the same, if you really want to – and you will! Sport was a key part of your life before, it will be again.

2. You are good with people. Don’t push them away. Instead, build your trusted little networks as the support they can provide is invaluable.

3. Accept and embrace the fact that your recovery will be for life. There are many charities, like Help for Heroes out there to help you at any stage of your recovery. Whether now or in the future, don’t be afraid to contact H4H and get involved with what they do. You’re going to get a lot from them and you’ll also give plenty back, which will help many others in the future.

4. You’ve already thought about leaving the Army. But nothing will quite prepare you for ‘Civvie Street’ after medical discharge. Things are harder and options more limited. But, don’t worry. Your recovery journey will bring out the best from your military training and experience. The support networks you create over the years will help you achieve more than you ever imagined you would.

5. Lastly, prioritise what you value most and achieve a balance you can manage. Do not take on too much. Karen and the family have always been there and will continue to be. Remember point 2!

There is not much more I can tell you right now, just please do not bin this letter. You will want to look back on it when you feel up to it. Embrace your future, enjoy it and most of all, as you have always told everyone else, smile and the world will smile back.

All the best,

Rob C-H (in 2016)

Street’ after medical discharge. Things are harder and options more limited. But, don’t worry. Your recovery journey will bring out the best from your military training and experience. The support networks you create over the years will help you

Lastly, prioritise what you value most and achieve

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