Ordinary People. Extraordinary Efforts. Spring 2020

DEFYING THE ODDSHow your support gives strength

to our most seriously injured

Dear supporter,

Welcome to your spring issue of Heroes Magazine.

It’s been a busy start to the year, with many of you out in force showing your unstoppable support for our heroes. In this issue you’ll find an update on our 40,000 Strong campaign, which launched back in October and which so many of you have got behind by donating to receive one of the boxed figures from our 40,000 Strong model force. Many of those who were medically discharged have said that the campaign made them feel proud to have served and proud to stand strong. Thank you for making them feel proud. The good news is there’s still time to donate for a figure too – find out more inside.

It’s so important to me that you are able to see the impact of your support. In this issue we’ve tried to bring you moving stories from some of our beneficiaries. Simon, Anthony and Paul are all defying the odds to overcome very serious injuries. They really value their lives and it’s only with you behind them that they go from strength to strength in their difficult recovery journeys, taking small steps at a time. I know personally that they give thanks every day for your continued commitment. It really moves them and their families.

Before you turn the page, you may have noticed something slightly different about the way your magazine is delivered. As a charity, we are always conscious about how we spend our funds and of our impact on the environment. The paper wraparound your magazine arrives in, which replaces the polythene bag, is a new approach and we’re delighted it’s more cost-effective and better for the planet.

As always, everything we do is only made possible because of you, so thank you again. You give our heroes one less battle to fight.

Best wishes,

Melanie Waters CEO, Help for Heroes

WELCOME TO HEROES

2 helpforheroes.org.uk

CONTENTS

/HelpforHeroesOfficial

@HelpforHeroes

@HelpforHeroes

HelpforHeroesTV

04Defying the odds

How your support helps some of our most seriously injured veterans overcome

huge challenges.

06Simon’s story

Injured in Afghanistan, no one expected Simon Vaughan

to survive. Find out how he defied the odds.

12Paul’s story

In her own words, Paul Hemsley’s mum, Terrie, explains the impact her

son’s wounds have had on the whole family.

8The unexpected

survivor Historian Emily Mayhew

explains how the past can teach us about the long-term

needs of today’s veterans.

14Thanks to you!

Find out how you have helped our 40,000

Strong campaign go from strength to strength.

18Your support countsOur incredible supporters

have had a busy winter. Find out what some of them have been up to.

We want to hear from you!

Tell us your stories – we love to hear about how you’re

supporting our heroes. Get in touch on our social

media pages or email fundraise@helpforheroes.

org.uk.

24Get involvedFeeling inspired?

Why not take on one of our challenges or events?

3helpforheroes.org.uk

FIGHTING FOR THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR USYour support gives strength to some of our most seriously injured veterans. With the right support, these brave men and women have defied the odds and overcome huge challenges.

Some of our most seriously wounded veterans live with injuries so devastating that, were it not for advances in modern medicine, they might not be here at all.

Some have lost limbs, others have brain injuries and serious mental health conditions that mean they’ll

need round-the-clock care for the rest of their lives.

These men and women have defied the odds. Many were told they would never walk again, never talk again and never live independently again. But with the right support, they have found the strength to overcome huge challenges.

Serious woundsSimon Vaughan, one of Afghanistan’s most seriously wounded, had his obituary written and pinned to him for the flight back to the UK – because doctors didn’t expect him to survive the journey. He’d been injured so badly when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blew up the vehicle he was travelling in, medics at first thought he’d be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. You can read Simon’s incredible story on pages six and seven.

Simon Vaughan.

Simon was critically injured in Afghanistan in 2008.

4 helpforheroes.org.uk

Find out more about our Never Say Never campaign click here

Much needed supportLast year, because of you, we were able to support Simon and others with injuries just as life-limiting – helping them achieve a level of independence and quality of life that many of us take for granted.

These brave individuals have been able to receive the specialist support they need, including speech and language therapy, financial assistance with carer costs and specialist equipment. We’ve also been able to offer much needed support to their family members, because when a loved one suffers life-changing injuries, the impact on the family can be just as high.

Paul Hemsley was on his second tour of Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED. Aged just 21, he lost his

right leg and suffered a life-changing brain injury that left him paralysed and unable to speak. On pages 12 and 13 his mum, Terrie, shares the unimaginable toll Paul’s injuries have had on both him and his family.

Many men and women like Simon and Paul will need care for the rest of their lives. That’s why, as well as giving them and their families the support they need, we’ve been campaigning heavily for the Government to step up and improve the help it offers to these unexpected survivors of conflict.

Last year, it agreed to increase the level of support made available to the most seriously injured veterans, announcing new funding for those who require 24-hour care and support.

Continuing the fightThere’s still a long road ahead to ensure every survivor of conflict gets the help they deserve, and it’s because of your ongoing support that we are able to continue fighting for those who fought for us.

Helping veterans stand strongWe started the year running our ‘Never Say Never’ campaign, which highlighted the ongoing needs of some of these gravely injured individuals and with you behind us, we will continue to support as many of our most seriously wounded men and women as we can.

Thank you for joining our mission to help all wounded veterans stand strong.

NEWS

Paul Hemsley. Paul was injured aged just 21.

5helpforheroes.org.uk

SIMON’S STORYSimon Vaughan was injured so seriously in a vehicle blast in Afghanistan, he was not expected to survive. Badly brain damaged, his injuries turned his life upside down, but with your support he is slowly regaining his independence.

In 2008, former Army Corporal Simon Vaughan was traveling through Helmand Province when the vehicle he was in was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He hit the frame of it before being flung eight metres by the impact, hitting his head. His heart stopped beating at the scene of the attack, starving his brain of oxygen, whilst medics fought to keep him alive.

“They wrote my obituary and pinned it to me for the flight home to Birmingham, because they didn’t think I would still be alive when I got there – but I was.”

Surviving, not thrivingSimon survived, but his family was told that his brain injuries were so severe he would remain in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. He’d also suffered a broken jaw, shattered pelvis, collapsed lungs and

a broken back and was in a coma for 44 days. When he woke up, Simon was completely dependent on 24-hour care and support for all his needs, much of which was provided by his mother Lynne and other family members. Statutory care was provided by two carers for a set period throughout the day, but not overnight.

Simon also needed additional physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, which he had to pay for himself. When he needed to make critical adaptations to his home as a result of his physical injuries, he was

faced with the decision to stop his speech and language therapy to afford it. He rarely left the house – robbed of his privacy and independence. He was surviving but not thriving.

Regaining independenceThanks to you, Simon and his family now have a qualified care team, which has relieved a lot of the stress on them. It may mean in the future that Simon’s mum can go back to living in her own home and regain her independence too.

“Help for Heroes has been brilliant. If it wasn’t for them, I would have had no speech and language therapy, or physio. They paid for private people to come in, because the NHS had discharged me completely. I was injured more than 10 years ago and Help for Heroes are the only people still involved.”

Simon was injured while on tour in Afghanistan.

helpforheroes.org.uk6

“They wrote my obituary and pinned it to me for the flight to Birmingham, because they didn’t think I would still be alive when I got there.”

Simon has also been able to receive the right psychological and psychiatric support, which has improved his mental wellbeing and morale. Now, he has more confidence to socialise.

In an instant, Simon lost his independence, his privacy and his chance of a normal life. Just a small amount of additional support is now having a huge impact and making life better for both him and his family.

Injuries have ended almost 40,000 military careers in 20 years. Every day this number grows and some of these veterans are living with injuries so severe, they are wholly dependent on round-the-clock care. But with the right support, they can defy the odds. Find out more by clicking here

SIMON’S STORY

With support, Simon is regaining his confidence.

7

LEARNING FROM THE UNEXPECTED SURVIVORS OF WARThe past can teach us much about the long-term needs of today’s veterans, as historian Dr Emily Mayhew explains.

It may sound astonishing, but less than 20 years ago those injured as a result of conflict were far less likely to return home alive than they are today.

Thankfully, advances in modern medicine are changing this picture. And as military medical historian Dr Emily Mayhew explains, the past can also help us to understand the long-term needs of wounded veterans today.

Difficult lives“Many believe most injured soldiers died during World War I (WWI), but far more were seriously wounded and lived on, into another world war, then into the 1960s and ‘70s. Their lives were incredibly difficult. I’m keen today’s scientists understand that living with a wound isn’t just about surviving, and that history is our best resource when it comes to understanding what that life can be like.”

The type of injuries suffered in WWI and 21st century

warfare are not that dissimilar. However, 100 years on there’s a dramatic difference, something that’s made the ongoing need greater than ever; casualty treatment has advanced.

“In WWI they had stretcher bearers who removed the injured from the front line.

Today it’s about bringing as much medical care as possible to where the soldier has fallen, so they are treated there and then. As a result, there are more survivors,” Emily explains.

“Before Afghanistan, physiotherapists, rehab specialists and prosthetists

Emily Mayhew.

8 helpforheroes.org.uk

were told double and triple amputees would never walk again, they’d always be in a wheelchair. We now know that’s not the case.

“We learned quickly, and are still learning about what life beyond injury means.”

A crucial studyEmily is a trustee of the ADVANCE Study, a project being run by Imperial College London which, thanks to your support, we have been able to part-fund. The first of its kind, the study is uncovering crucial insights into the long-term needs of our wounded, by studying casualties of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts – the often “unexpected survivors” of war.

Wounded veterans face learning to live life in a completely new way.

From using prosthetics to avoiding infection or simply asking for help, Emily points out that overall, it’s about learning “to be the best survivor you can be, and to be able to do what no one has ever expected.

“Unexpected survivors are experts in their condition. We need to be able to listen

and work with them, so together we can find a way forward.”

She adds that when it comes to rehabilitation, despite the advances in

medical science, there’s still a long way to go to improve long-term quality of life.

“One of my priorities is to focus research on pain. We know injuries to limbs

are very painful and make life debilitating.

“Pain suffered by WWI amputees compared to pain suffered by amputees today has only improved by one to two per cent.

“There are still areas we don’t understand how to treat,” adds Emily, “such as phantom limb pain. We know no more about this than we did 100 years ago.

“The story of the unexpected survivor isn’t over – history is still being written.”

You can find out more about the ADVANCE Study click here

The ADVANCE Study is uncovering crucial insights into the long-term needs of our wounded.

“We are still learning about what life beyond injury means.”

NEWS FEATURE

9helpforheroes.org.uk

Anthony Cooper’s life changed forever when he was injured by a roadside bomb at the age of 22, suffering a brain injury and losing both legs above the knee. At one point not expected to survive, with the right support Anthony is now excelling at sport.

A military career had been a long-term goal for Anthony Cooper, who joined the air cadets at 15 and the Army at 16.

“I’d wanted to do it my whole life – to serve Queen and country. I knew I was training to go to war. But when you do go, it’s totally different.”

Anthony was deployed to Afghanistan and in 2010

was on foot patrol in Helmand Province when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off beneath him. He was medically evacuated back to the UK and put in an induced coma. Doctors told his family not to hold out hope, and within days, his organs began to shut down.

But, despite losing his right eye and suffering one of the

worst brain injuries his doctors had seen in

ANTHONY’S STORY

Sport has played a big part in Anthony’s recovery.

Anthony Cooper.

helpforheroes.org.uk10

ANTHONY’S STORY

25 years, Anthony pulled through.

Catastrophic injuriesAs a double amputee with other catastrophic injuries, Anthony faced many obstacles ahead. Family visited him in hospital in Birmingham, then made regular trips to Headley Court where his rehabilitation began. Anthony’s mum Shelley sat with him for weeks, helping him learn how to speak again.

But it wasn’t just his physical injuries he battled with.

“After I was injured, I felt like I was in hell. I attempted suicide maybe four or five times. It was a cry for help. I didn’t know what else to do.

“Technically, the rough patch is still going on. It will be going on for the rest of my life – what I’ve seen will always be in my head. I don’t think it’s possible to just wipe that out.”

But with your support, Anthony, now 31, is discovering that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

The right encouragement“People were telling me that I can’t do sport because I’m blind, missing limbs and missing the fingers on one hand. But Help for Heroes really encouraged me.

“Without them, I’d be lost. I’m in a better place now. If I’m struggling, I can ring up ask for advice or help. Or if

I need some respite, I can go to the Help for Heroes recovery centre where there are other veterans to talk to.”

A support network“Coming forward for support is probably the best thing you can do. I’m blind and I’ve got a head injury, but the support network through Help for Heroes is the best.”

“After I was injured, I felt like I was in hell. I attempted suicide maybe four or five times. It was a cry for help. I didn’t know what else to do.”

Injuries have ended almost 40,000 military careers in 20 years. Every day this number grows. Some of these veterans are living with injuries so severe, they are wholly dependent on round-the-clock care. But with the right support, they can defy the odds. Find out more at click here

Anthony spends time at one of our recovery centres.

11helpforheroes.org.uk

“It’s painful to think about the life he might have had – Paul will never be a dad, which is heart-breaking.”

PAUL’S STORYPaul Hemsley was on his second tour of Afghanistan when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Aged just 21, he lost his right leg and suffered a devastating brain injury that left him paralysed and unable to speak. His mum, Terrie, shares the lifelong impact Paul’s injuries have had on him and the family.“As a little boy Paul had a great sense of humour. He was a great artist too; he could make the page light up and talk. We didn’t have much money but we made the most of what we had. We loved going to the beach – that’s impossible now as we can’t push his wheelchair over the sand.

“Paul signed up just before his 18th birthday, in 2008. Before he went on his second tour of Afghanistan we threw a party for him. I remember standing there watching him and thinking ‘I’m so proud of you’.

“That’s one of my last happy memories of him.

Life changing injuries“The night before he was injured, I knew something was going to happen and I didn’t sleep that night. I was sitting in my bedroom when I heard the car come

down the street and I knew it was coming for me. Paul was the front man with the metal detector, and he’d stood on an IED.

“He was in hospital for a year before spending 16 months in a neurological centre – his dad or I were at his bedside every single day of those three years. If one of us went home, we would always know that a member of his family was with him.

“His injury has changed our

lives. His sister Lisa, who he is close to, had always dreamt of having a white wedding abroad, but when she got married she did it 20 minutes from where Paul lives and chose a hotel venue that had a full disability room so he could share the day with us. She was adamant that she wasn’t going to do it without her brother. We are an incredibly close family and his younger brothers, Josh and Jamie, think the world of him too.

Learning to adapt“It’s painful to think about the life he might have had – Paul will never be a dad, which is heart-breaking. He used to hold his niece, Scarlett, up in his arms and pretend to be an aeroplane and she would squeal with laughter.

Terrie with her son Paul.

helpforheroes.org.uk12

PAUL’S STORY

“The doctors told us they expected Paul to survive for 11 years, and we’re coming up to eight now. As a mother you don’t bury your kids but that’s at the back of my mind and not something I want to do or be thinking about.

“It’s not always hard. There are times when we laugh or we can be on a high because Paul has achieved something new that he has been trying to do. He is non-communicative, but he expresses himself through his eye gaze and his sense of humour still comes through.

“I have my wonderful family and we support each other as well as Paul.

Precious time“I really enjoyed going on a Help for Heroes respite weekend recently, it was the first specifically aimed at the families of very seriously injured veterans. We spent two fantastic days at a cookery school picking up some new recipe ideas but also feeling like we could say anything and no one would be shocked – you’re with people who just get it without you having to explain stuff.

“For Paul too, just spending time at the Help for Heroes recovery centre in Catterick is precious time spent with other veterans, feeling that he is a part of his military family once more.”

Paul with (left to right) veteran Steve Wilson, carer Simone Herbert, veteran Tracey McClung, carer Jeanette Grant and veteran Eddie Taylor.

Paul is one of almost 40,000 people whose lives have been derailed by injury.

Join our mission to help all wounded veterans stand strong.

Find out more click here

13helpforheroes.org.uk

THANK YOU FOR JOINING OUR MISSION TO HELP WOUNDED VETERANS STAND STRONGIn the last issue we introduced the launch of our 40,000 Strong campaign, which thanks to you has gone from strength to strength.

In October we launched our 40,000 Strong campaign, which asked the nation to help us fix the gaps in the support available to wounded veterans.

In the last 20 years, almost 40,000 servicemen and women have been medically

discharged from the Armed Forces. The 40,000 Strong campaign has been telling some of their incredible stories and inviting the public to help all wounded veterans stand strong by donating to receive a boxed figure from our 40,000 Strong model force.

The model force started its tour back in October, and we’re thrilled that so many of you have both visited and donated to own a part of it.

The good news is that if you haven’t already got your special edition boxed figure, there’s still time!

helpforheroes.org.uk14

NEWS

Don’t miss your chance to own part of the model forceThere’s still time to support the 40,000 Strong campaign by donating today, and receiving a special edition boxed figure from the 40,000 Strong model force.

Each figure represents one of almost 40,000 real-life veterans who’ve been medically discharged in the last

20 years and may need our help. Every donation helps wounded veterans whose lives have been derailed by injury to stand strong.

Donate now by visiting our shop.

The 40,000 Strong model forceThe 40,000 Strong model force was unveiled at Manchester’s Arndale Centre on 8 October, with mini-installations touring all around the UK and showing at venues including Caerphilly, Stirling and Plymouth.

In December, it made its way to Victoria Underground Station in London as part of our Transport For London (TFL) collection day. 248 volunteers bucket collected at 17 London Underground stations, raising an incredible £38,000!

Closing gaps in supportAs part of the campaign, we’ve been calling on the Government to commission an independent review of the current medical discharge process and improve transition for all wounded veterans and

families. There are gaps in the support our veterans receive when they have to leave service due to injury or

illness, and we’re fighting to fix them. You can read more by visiting our website.

Above and left: Our 40,000 Strong model force has been on tour at venues around the UK.

helpforheroes.org.uk 15

FIRE UP YOUR OVENS IN SUPPORT OF OUR HEROESBake for Heroes is back for the sixth year running and its tastier than ever. We’d love you to get involved – here’s how.

Every year we ask the Bakers of Britain to fire up their ovens in support of our heroes.

This year it’s easy as pie to raise money for wounded veterans and their families so why not whisk up some treats for your friends, colleagues or classmates, knowing every slice will make a difference to the lives of the men and women

who put their lives on the line for us.

With the anniversary of VE Day just around the corner there’s no better reason to sign up and let us help you host a brilliant bake sale, whenever and wherever you like.

If you’re in need of some inspiration to get started, check out the next page

to see what some of last year’s super-star bakers got up to when they took part. Our free fundraising pack is also brimming with tips, ideas and even decorations to help you put on an event that will see the doughnations roll in!

Bake for Heroes really is the tastiest way to get involved.

16 helpforheroes.org.uk

YOUR SUPPORT

Sign up now. It’s a piece of cake!Simply click here to complete the sign up form. You can also sign up by calling our Supporter Care Team on 0300 303 9888 or emailing fundraise@helpforheroes.org.uk.

Once you’ve given us your event date, we’ll send you a fundraising pack which includes handy hints and tips, bunting, balloons and posters. We’ll support you every step of the way to ensure your Bake for Heroes event is a sweet success.

Baking in the jam-nasiumBrandon Leisure Centre took part in Bake for Heroes last year and raised an impressive £465.

Following a successful Bake for Heroes event in 2018, Leisure Centre member Jean clearly had a taste for more and signed up to take part again.

Jean said “It is amazing that by raising money from having a cake stall we can help our heroes receive the help and support they need and deserve.”

Our previous star bakers have really got stuck in.

Unite your office with cake!Staff at General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection Europe united last summer when they took part in Bake for Heroes. Not only did they raise a fantastic £750 for wounded veterans and their families, they also discovered who in the office had creative flair when it came to whipping up their culinary delights.

Staff at the company baked an impressive array of sweet treats – from sponges to fudge cakes and even a chocolate and beetroot creation.

“Getting everyone together was a great way of team building and finding out what talent lies within the business!” says Rebecca Handforth, the staff member who organised the baking bonanza.

Be as creative as you like with your culinary creations.

Cake is the perfect way to bring your office together.

17helpforheroes.org.uk

YOUR SUPPORT COUNTSCatch up on some of the inspiring ways you have been out and about over the winter, raising funds for our heroes. Every penny makes a difference and helps veterans and their families to recover and get on with their lives.

Veteran Stan is a local hero92-year old Stan Wall is an Armed Forces veteran, and a fundraising one too. He’s been a fundraiser for more than three decades, and for the past eight years he’s cycled in support of Help for Heroes.

“My local Rotary Club organise and run the Thurrock Cycle Marathon every year. There are seven, 14 or 21-mile routes to take part in. Last year my family suggested I did the seven-mile route, but I missed the turning and ended up doing the full 21!”

Approaching friends, family and neighbours to sponsor him, to date Stan has raised an incredible £35,000 for us.

“The community is so generous, even kids donate their pocket money. Many local businesses support me too – a lady who works on the checkout in Iceland has a photo of me on her till to tell people all about me!”

In 2018, his efforts led Stan to being nominated at the Pride of Britain Awards and for one of our own Hero Awards.

“My granddaughter nominated me for a Pride of Britain Award, I was a regional finalist and ended up in third place. But winning the Hero Award more than made up for that. The event in London was amazing and I met so many other people. My Hero Award is on the wall above my fireplace, surrounded by all the certificates I’ve received for my fundraising.”

Aware of all the veterans and families who still need support, Stan plans to continue fundraising this year.

“I read stories about what veterans are going through and we all need to help them. People are always saying ‘surely you should stop now Stan at 92!’ but I’m aiming to do a 2020 cycle event. It keeps me fit.”

Thank you, Stan!

At 92, super supporter Stan Wall has no plans to slow down.18 helpforheroes.org.uk

SUPPORTER STORIES

Riding in remembranceOn 9 November 2011, Michael Thornton and his wife, Susan, received news their eldest son, Matthew, had been killed in Afghanistan, just six days after his 28th birthday.

In honour of his memory, Michael and his family chose to support us.

Their first fundraising challenge was walking and wild camping around the 74-mile Barnsley boundary in South Yorkshire. 35 people took part, including some of Matthew’s colleagues. Since then,

the family have held fundraising discos and meals and taken part in Yorkshire’s Three Peaks Challenge.

Then, the Tour De France came to Yorkshire, which inspired Michael to start cycling again and run the Barnsley Boundary Heroes Ride. Michael says:

“Cycling helps me process the loss. We’re doing this for the memory of Matthew and the girls and boys who step up to protect us all.”

Over the past five years Michael and his family have raised £60,813 and hope to reach the £100,000 mark. A huge thank you to Michael, his wife and all who have supported their efforts.

Fundraising and making friendsWhen Adrian Pearson moved to be near his father, he didn’t know anyone. But two years, and a lot of fundraising later, the 48-year old has made lots of new friends.

Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 1996 after completing four tours of Northern Ireland, the former Scots Guardsman has supported us by busking, hosting quizzes, baking and completing the Three Peaks Challenges and Burma Trek.

“During the Three Peaks, as soon as I arrived at the base of Pen-Y-Ghent, I realised I’d

already scaled it in 1988 as a 16-year-old recruit!

“I took part in The Burma Trek in 2017. My grandfather served there in The Royal Artillery during WWII. Whilst there, I met several members of the Help for Heroes Band of Sisters and Band of Brothers Fellowships, who encouraged me to join.”

Through his incredible fundraising achievements, Adrian has also connected with lots of people in his local community.

“I didn’t know anyone in town when I moved to be near my father. He passed

away within a year and I hibernated for two years in grief. Now I know everybody! I’ve met veterans from many eras, conflicts and campaigns.”

Adrian has raised an amazing £17,685 to date and we applaud his brilliant efforts!

Former soldier Adrian Pearson is a fundraising force.

Michael Thornton and family fundraise in memory.

19helpforheroes.org.uk

Fundraising is a family affairShared family military history first inspired Barbara and Andrew Eagle to support us. Now they’re passing the fundraising bug through the family.

The couple from Ipswich, Suffolk, began fundraising on their silver wedding anniversary. Says Barbara:

“We celebrated just before Andrew left to serve in Afghanistan, holding a party with steam engines, food, drinks and music. Instead of gifts we asked for donations.”

Raising £2,500 on the night, the couple have continued

to collect donations, both at their camping and caravan site and through other events.

“We’ve been strongly supported by our family. For her 30th birthday our daughter asked for donations and raised £500.

“Our seven-year-old grandson, Jack, has also become a supporter. He was at a steam rally giving out free leaflets and was caught asking for £10 for Help for Heroes in exchange for a leaflet… thankfully much to everyone’s amusement!”

To date, they’ve raised £6,710, and we’re so grateful for their hard work.

“It’s crucial to support those whose lives have been affected in some way by their decision to ensure we have a safe place to live,” says Barbara.

Using pedal power to do his bit84-year-old Eric Ayling may never have learned how to ride a bike, but that didn’t stop him undertaking a 60-hour cycling challenge!

Put into care at 12 months old after the death of his

father, Eric spent his childhood in an orphanage and so was never taught how to cycle. At 17 he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the RAF.

“I wanted to get out and see what the outside world was like, so joined up in 1952. Seeing others leave base at the weekends to visit family was difficult. To occupy myself I started boxing, which really helped my mental health. I still go to the gym six days a week.”

Having served for a decade, Eric wanted to give something back. Over the past six years, he has raised £12,000, which doesn’t include his latest challenge – a 60-hour ride which raised £5,000, with donations still arriving.

“I have problems with my balance, so chose to ride a static bike. Help for Heroes does wonderful things to help veterans and families regain the normal lives we all should live. This is my way of helping them.”

Thank you, Eric!

Barbara and Andrew Eagle even had a steam engine at their event.

Eric Ayling raised £5,000 with a 60–hour static-cycle ride.

20 helpforheroes.org.uk

NEWS

Help raise another million with MotoOur partnership with Moto in The Community (MITC) started in 2012. To date staff, Moto customers and Help for Heroes volunteers have together raised over £2.8 million.

Each year MITC organises national collections for Help for Heroes over Easter and the summer bank holiday weekends, as well as during spring half term and for Armed Forces Day. If you’re interested in collecting at a Moto site, click here to find out more.

Sophie Groves with Hero Bear.

BE A FUNDRAISING HEROFeeling inspired by some of the stories from our amazing fundraisers? Why not get involved by becoming a volunteer?

Our incredible team of volunteers are the beating heart of Help for Heroes. Without them, people like Simon, Anthony and Paul, whose stories you can read in this issue, wouldn’t get the help they need and deserve. Why not sign up to become one too?

You’ll meet new people, make new friends and we promise you’ll have lots of fun! Some of last year’s volunteers had front row seats cheering cyclists at the Tour de Yorkshire and helped at the Invictus Games trials in Sheffield.

Sophie Groves is part of our fabulous volunteer family. Here’s what she has to say about her experience:

“Volunteering is so rewarding, and it’s a fantastic way to give back to your local community. I volunteer alongside the rest of my family, so for us it’s a fun day out! It’s also a great way to meet new people and make friends. I love engaging with the public and particularly love meeting the veterans.”

There are some great volunteering opportunities coming up. Could you give some of your time to support veterans and their families?

Find out more here or call our friendly National Volunteer Team on 01980 840220

Moto Easter Collection: 6–17 April Moto Summer Collection: 22–31 August Tesco Collection: 15 and 16 August

21helpforheroes.org.uk

Debenhams does its bit for our heroesOur amazing partner Debenhams has been supporting us since 2014, and to date has raised more than £2.3 million for wounded veterans and their families.

Now the retailer is hoping to hit the £2.5 million mark thanks to a dedicated month of support. Throughout March, Debenhams will be fundraising at its 140 stores up and down the country.

On the 28 and 29 March our very own volunteers, alongside Debenhams staff,

will also be collecting in-store. In some locations Hero Bear himself will even be making an appearance!

Look out for us at your local Debenhams on these dates and come and say hello.

Did you know?You can be the first to hear all our latest news by signing up to receive our emails.

Find out how your support is helping, read inspiring stories from our beneficiaries and learn more about all the ways you can get involved and help support our wounded.

Simply head click here to find out more.

Above and below right: Debenhams staff and our own volunteers are collecting throughout March.

helpforheroes.org.uk22

NEWS

Make 2020 the year you make a lasting differenceWriting a Will to provide for the people and causes you love is a wonderful way to leave your mark on the world.

Now you can make your Will and make a difference for free; by using our new Free Will service. Whether you want the reassurance of meeting with a specialist solicitor or the convenience of writing your Will online, we can help. Simply visit our legacy page or call our Supporter Care Team on 0300 303 9888 to find out more.

Help for Heroes supporters, Steve and Alison, recently wrote their Wills using the National Free Wills Network.

“The Free Will service was easy to engage with and the solicitor we nominated was very professional, prompt and polite.

“Whilst there are many worthy and deserving charities, it was a pleasure and honour for us to leave a gift in our Will to Help for Heroes, a charity close to our hearts; and give something back to those who served our country.”

Using the service doesn’t place you under any obligation to remember Help for Heroes in your Will but we hope you’ll take a moment to consider the difference you could make to our wounded heroes. Every gift has the power to change lives.

Visit: helpforheroes.org.uk/legacies

Call: 0300 303 9888

Email: legacies@helpforheroes.org.uk

Time for an Easter brewWith Easter almost upon us, our partners at Kinnerton have come up with an egg-cellent way to show your support.

Since 2016, the confectioner has raised money through the sale of a specially designed Easter egg. This year’s delicious creation, which retails at just £4.00, comes complete with chocolate buttons and a ceramic mug –perfect for when only a brew will do.

Why not treat a loved one and support our nation’s heroes at the same time? Every egg purchased helps Kinnerton reach the £20,000 it has kindly pledged to raise between now and 2022.

The egg is available to buy now exclusively at Tesco – head to your nearest store or hop online.

23helpforheroes.org.uk

NEVER SAY NEVER TO A CHALLENGEWith the weather warming up as we head into spring, what better time to venture into the great outdoors and get fit at the same time? Even better, raise money while you do it! Whether you’re looking for a great excuse to explore the UK’s stunning scenery or are a seasoned runner set on achieving a new personal best; we have something for everyone.

We hope, like our wounded, you’ll Never Say Never to a challenge; join us and make your miles go further.

NEW ROUTE FOR 2021

Our iconic annual cycling challenge combines military history, camaraderie and pedal-powered fundraising in the very best charity bike ride there is!

The Big Battlefield Bike Ride 2021 will take you, for the first time, down the whole British sector of the Western Front of the Great War. You’ll cycle from the North Sea Coast through the beautiful

Belgian Flanders, French Flanders and Picardy countryside, then down to Compiègne where the Armistice was signed; visiting the main British battlefields of 1914–18 in chronological order to relay the scale of the campaign and the sacrifice.

En route we will pay our respects at the many memorials and cemeteries; if your ancestor fought on the Western Front our historians will help tell their story and experience. This year’s ride will be an experience not to be missed.

Early bird offer – register by 31 March using code BB2150 to get £50 off your registration fee. Click here for more details.

“One of the finest, most exhilarating and emotional rides you could ever take part in.” BBBR Fundraiser 2019

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

24 helpforheroes.org.uk

WAYS TO SUPPORT

2020 THRESHOLD EVENTSReady to run with something new in 2020? Take inspiration from fundraiser Sammy Howells, who took on her first ultra-challenge with us and raised an amazing £1,300.

Sammy’s storyFundraiser Sammy Howells took up running to give herself a new focus following the loss of her horse, Sprocket, with whom she had competed for 22 years.

“My fiancé, James suggested I give running a go, and I found I loved it. When I was considering a 10km, I saw Race to the Stones advertised by Help for Heroes and decided to ‘add a zero’ and do 100km!”

Sammy’s father served in the RAF, flying with the Red Arrows, so she’s always had close links to the military. Deciding an ultra-marathon was the perfect way to show her support for serving and veteran men and women, once she signed up she

was amazed by the encouragement she received:

“There were times when I doubted myself, especially when the British weather did its best to scupper training plans! But my friends and family gave me the boost I needed, and by sharing my progress on my JustGiving page my sponsors really kept me going.

“It was daunting to take on the challenge with no experience, but the support from the Help for Heroes Events Team before, during and after my event lifted a huge weight from my shoulders, and I tripled the £425 fundraising target. Losing my horse and my life-long hobby changed my

life, but I found something to love again.”

Race to the Stones, run by our charity partners Threshold, is an ultra-marathon which can be tackled non-stop, or as a weekender with a night at Basecamp. Sammy described her experience during the weekend as ‘second to none’ and has now set her sights on completing the entire Threshold Trail Series in 2021.

If you’ve been inspired by Sammy’s story, conquer your own challenge by taking part in one of our Threshold Trail series events.

Race to the Tower 18/19 JulyDistance: 52 milesRegistration: £39 (non-stop) £59 (weekender)Min. fundraising: £425

Race to the Stones4/5 JulyDistance: 100kmRegistration: £44 (non-stop) £64 (weekender)Min. fundraising: £425

Race to the King 20/21 June Distance: 52 milesRegistration: £39 (non-stop) £59 (weekender)Min. fundraising: £425

Find out more here.

Fundraiser Sammy Howells.

25helpforheroes.org.uk

THE LAST POSTAnnette Laurie left the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserves as a Chief Petty Officer in 2010, after 26 years of service. Annette, who is registered disabled, has received support for both physical and mental wounds, having been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2019. Here, she writes to her former self.

Hi Annette,

I wish I could have told you what the future holds for you, although I don’t know that anything could have changed. You’re always smiling, keen to help, be there to listen – even if you do talk for Britain – but I think deep down you’ve always known that’s just a mask, to cover up all the hurt you go through and the surprises that life throws at you.

You’ve had things happen that no-one should ever go through and somehow still come up smiling, but the last

three years of torment have taken their toll and now you can’t face it anymore. It’s time to leave the career you love so much and hang up that uniform. I know deep down you still have your integrity and that you’re a good person, but you don’t feel it, and don’t understand why you feel worthless. But please don’t let anyone tell you you’re being silly!

Don’t give up, even on your darkest of days. It will get worse – in November 2016 in fact. You will visit Help for Heroes at HMS Drake, you will fall apart, but everyone there, from staff to veterans and others in the same space as you will cradle you, support and assist you and help you climb back out of the depths of misery and despair. They will get you the help you need to deal with the nightmares, anger and sadness and they’ll help your husband too, who has no clue what is going on, because you won’t tell him. But you will a few years later, when you are getting better – becoming human again.

Whatever you think is going on now Annette, don’t ever give up. It’s really hard sometimes, but you only have to reach out and the light at the end of the tunnel is pretty bright. You will smile again!

Love from Annette

26 helpforheroes.org.uk

WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR HEROESThere are so many ways you can get involved and support our heroes. Here are just a few…

To date, more than 25,000 people have been supported, but many more still need help. Your one-off donation, no matter how big or small, funds vital support for wounded members of the Armed Forces and their loved ones.

Help make sure every wounded veteran gets the help they deserve.

Find out more: h4hweb.com/herodonate

Dan Phillips was shot at on patrol in Afghanistan, rupturing discs and damaging his spine. His injuries mean he will have limited mobility for life. You can help Dan, and others like him, by making the Heroes Promise. Give £8 a month, or as much as you can afford, to help us be here for our heroes for as long as they need us.

Find out more: h4hweb.com/heroespromise

DONATE

PROMISE

Look good whilst doing good.

Help for Heroes trading offers a range of fabulous gifts and clothing, many designed by our beneficiaries. With all proceeds going directly to the charity, you can wear your support with pride.Visit: shop.helpforheroes.org.uk

SHOP

If you would like to change how you hear from us in the future, please write to us at Help for Heroes, 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3RB, email contact@helpforheroes.org.uk or call our Supporter Care Team on 0300 303 9888. 27

Help for Heroes is a limited company registered in England (06363256), and a charity registered in England and Wales (1120920) and Scotland (SC044984).

helpforheroes.org.uk

/HelpforHeroesOfficial @HelpforHeroes

@HelpforHeroes HelpforHeroesTV

“After being diagnosed with MS in 2015, I was uncertain of my future in the RAF. I felt very lonely, confused and low. Thankfully, the support I have received from Help for Heroes has given me the confidence to better manage my illness through sports recovery. Now I’m an RAF advocate for the Chronic Conditions and Disabilities in Defence Network, helping to influence defence policy and empower our people. I’m truly thankful to all those who donate to this life-changing charity.”

Sergeant Georgie Smith, RAF.

THANK YOU