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Ordinary People. Extraordinary Efforts. November/December 2015

Our Promise – Page 2 Real Life Stories – Page 20 Fundraising Stories – Page 8 Welcome to Heroes Magazine

Together, Rebuilding Lives

Welcome to the Christmas edition of Heroes magazine. I hope you will take the time to read about some of the work we do to help rebuild shattered lives with your wonderful support. Recovery from life-changing mental and physical injuries takes time and is complex. Our work does not finish when fighting ends. Our Recovery Centres are the front line of our support to those who need us today and long after they have served. We are seeing less physical injuries, but more hidden wounds so our support must continue. You are a vital part of this team that helps rebuild lives. You are as important as our psychologists, remedial instructors, art teachers, woodwork instructors, volunteers and all our wonderful staff. Without you and the inspiring things you do to raise funds, there would be no Help for Heroes; it’s as simple as that. Together we are doing great work, together we are helping to rebuild lives. In this magazine you will read some of the stories of those who raise the vital funds as well as the stories of those who inspire us to do so. Thank you so much for your continued support; we could not do this without you. Have a wonderful Christmas, thank you for everything you continue to do and let’s all look forward to a peaceful New Year. Onwards and Upwards

Bryn and Emma Parry Co-Founders, Help for Heroes

Production Team: Contact Editor: Ela Le Galloudec Help for Heroes, Unit 14, Downton Business Centre, Downton, , SP5 3RB Editorial Assistant: Ed Dixon Graphic Design: Sarah Duncan, Simon Maher Data Protection Photography: Roger Keller, Chris Radburn, Press Association, Rex Photography, Johnny Fenn If you no longer wish to receive our magazine, please email [email protected] Cover Photo: Charlie Clift or call 01725 513212

www.helpforheroes.org.uk cricketing

Contents

Contents

Our Promise 2 08 We’re here for ‘the blokes’ for life Team H4H 7 Find out who makes up Team H4H

Fundr aising Stories 8 You’ve done your bit with pride in 2015

Hero Ride 2015 14 Read the story of Hero Ride

Cricket for Heroes 18 Thousands gathered for a spectacular day of Cricket

Real Life stories 20 Our Heroes’ inspirational stories

News in Brief 24 What’s coming up in 2016

The Last Post 25 Jodie Kidd writes about taking part in three H4H challenges

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“It was the first time that anyone had really sat me down and listened to what I had to say. Back then I believed that Help for Heroes saved my life. Now I believe that they gave me the tools I needed to save myself.” Mark Taylor, H4H beneficiary

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 1 Our Promise

The Battle Continues

In 2007, when Help for Heroes In our early days the most We also proudly work in was conceived, there were urgent need was to help our partnership with over 70 hundreds of young men and battlefield wounded. But it’s specialist organisations to women being killed, and not just those with missing provide direct, practical thousands more wounded, limbs that need us. We have support at every stage whilst serving our country. seen an increasingly diverse of recovery. Help for Heroes said: “we mix of people seeking support Over the past eight years just want to help” and the – brave men and woman you have helped us transform British public were with living with the physical and many lives. However, there us wholeheartedly. psychological scars of conflict are still so many people we from Afghanistan, Iraq, the Fast-forward eight years need to help and so much Falklands, Bosnia, Northern and the landscape may have more we need to do. Please Ireland and even as far back changed but we are still don’t stop now as together, as WW2. needed; perhaps more now we are rebuilding the lives than ever. We have promised We take our job very seriously of those who have given to stand alongside ‘the and understand recovery is their all. blokes’ and support them extremely complex. We know for as long as they need us. that every person requires Given this promise, it would tailored support, which we be unforgivable if we did deliver through individual not secure the long-term recovery plans. We can’t do this provision of services for the without you and guaranteed thousands who desperately income will help us plan for need our support – the future. Please sign up an estimated 75,000 to become a Friend of Help in years ahead. for Heroes today to help us change lives tomorrow. www.h4hweb.com/ h4hfriend

2 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Our Promise

H4H in Numbers

92 & 18 75,000 £31m years old the total number 1,120 given to the oldest who may need individual grants 60 specialist and youngest our support in the awarded in 2015 charity partners recipients of coming years* to date direct H4H grants

£71,000 97% £7.5m 187 committed to training Courses in the daily cost of our funding Psychological 36 subjects run of the support comes directly from Wellbeing by by H4H Career we provide you, the public H4H Hidden Wounds Recovery in 2015

3,836 6,000 50+ Service personnel, £70m members Veterans and their spent delivering sports offered by H4H supported by families have used our world class Sports Recovery, ‘grass the H4H Support our Recovery Centres recovery network roots’ to elite level Fellowships from March 2014 to date to March 2015

73% of the beneficiaries 26 who took part in the £10.5m Paralympic hopefuls 350+ Charity’s Pathfinder in individual grants mentored and helped sporting events programme in 2015 given to date with training each year are in employment, and preparation education or training

*Help for Heroes study backed by 3 Royal College of Psychiatrists, September 2014 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Our Promise

We’re Here for ‘the Blokes’

active, independent and Objectives fulfilling lives where they l e f sure w achieve their full potential. e h orl u g ls s We have four state-of-the-art re e u r Recovery Centres dedicated u l e re to inspiring, enabling and g r fo u r supporting the recovery of o l f e

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s e u e o o l service, sports recovery r f f e h s o e o h opportunities, and physical l p o f r r o u e g p w and psychological wellbeing f g lf o e e e p s s services. We have the facilities u e rp e o ro s s p e and staff to unlock potential, e ro and to turn ‘can’t do’ into e p re s g er ‘can do’. he gh e lh ur he o hrou e o g h o proe lfelo In addition, we are aware of the number of Veterans, their families and the families What is a Hero? following phase of Recovery of serving personnel who struggle with common mental We consider anyone who that their relationship with Help for Heroes deepens, health challenges such as volunteers to join the Armed anxiety and depression, Forces, knowing that one day creating a support structure that is available whenever which can prevent their they may have to risk all, enjoyment of life. Our Hidden is a Hero. It’s that simple. it’s needed for the rest of their life. Wounds psychological wellbeing service, accessible Together, Who Can Access by telephone, Skype or face Rebuilding Lives Our Support? to face, is designed to help. Help for Heroes has promised The service has supported to stand alongside our brave If someone is suffering hundreds of beneficiaries in Heroes and support them for because of something that its first year and we are now as long as required on their happened during their service also able to support those lengthy and complex journeys – physically or mentally – or struggling with anger of recovery. they care for someone who is, and alcohol. we try to help. ‘The blokes’ journeys often start with comprehensive Recovery that’s medical care, followed by Designed for rehabilitation at facilities our Heroes Get in touch now to start your like the Defence Medical H4H recovery journey. Visit Rehabilitation Centre, We always encourage our www.h4hweb.com/ . It is during the beneficiaries towards living h4hsupport

4 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Our Promise

Changing Lives Every Day

In ‘the blokes’ own words… “Phoenix House has saved my life. I had completely given up but everybody here is so helpful. It’s just an amazing place.” Anna Kelton, H4H beneficiary (Catterick Recovery Centre)

“The hardest part was walking through the door, but it is the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t work because of my PTSD and I was struggling with housing and financial issues but everyone at Phoenix House has helped me so much.” Ken Nash, H4H beneficiary (Catterick Recovery Centre) Anna Kelton “Thank God for Help for Heroes. I feel reborn again. There is now a light at the end of the tunnel. I just wish I had walked into the Centre many years earlier.” Brendan Gordon, H4H beneficiary ( Recovery Centre)

“I lived in the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Colchester for over a year when I was in recovery from my neck injury. H4H were good enough to let me stay while housing was found for me or I would have been homeless as well as unemployed!”

Darren Kamara, H4H beneficiary (Colchester Recovery Centre) Darren Kamara “If I didn’t have the support that Help for Heroes has given me I’d probably be dead; that’s the truth. It’s having something to relate to, somebody who’s been through it all, and something to focus on at that gets me through.” Gary Hunt, H4H beneficiary ( Recovery Centre)

“Thank you, not for the mountain biking trip, but for the opportunity to feel normal again. For letting me feel relaxed, at home and at peace.” Simon Taylor, H4H beneficiary (Plymouth Recovery Centre) Simon Taylor

“When I visited Tedworth House it took a big weight off my shoulders.” Scott Meenagh H4H beneficiary (Tidworth Recovery Centre)

“Tedworth House is ground breaking in its scope, design, and the support it offers on the long road through life post-injury.” Tony Harris, H4H beneficiary (Tidworth Recovery Centre)

Scott Meenagh

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 5 Our Promise

Working in Partnership

At Help for Heroes we work hard to make sure that every pound donated has a purpose and is spent helping ‘the blokes’. To do that we not only provide grants to individuals, but we also support the work of other organisations. In fact, we actively work with 73 specialist organisations and charities who support our wounded – here are just two examples.

Combat Stress We admire the great work Combat Stress do in supporting our Heroes living with PTSD. We are proud to have supported their work since 2008. Tom, a H4H beneficiary, spent some time at Combat Stress and wrote to tell us about his experience: “I recently stayed at Combat Stress for two weeks utilising the wing that funds from Help for Heroes helped build. I spent a lot of time drawing and painting, Our grant to the Gurkha Welfare Trust has helped 96-year-old Rifleman Shersing which allows me to focus Gurung, who lost his home in the Earthquake and drift into the picture losing hours as I paint. Gurkha Help for Heroes “I will need to return in Welfare Trust Grants January for further ongoing Thanks to your generous We have given £30m in treatment. I am not sure support we were able to grants to support the great where I would be without provide an urgent grant work of organisations support and help from you of £100,000 to support that help our Heroes. and the Charity. I will always The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s Here are just some of the be grateful to H4H and the relief appeal following the organisations we’ve given team who have helped on devastating Earthquake in to over the years. my recovery journey.” Nepal earlier this year. They Combat Stress said: “The Gurkha Welfare Trust remains deeply grateful Blesma to Help for Heroes and its SSAFA supporters for your help ABF – The Soldiers Charity and encouragement at this Haig Housing difficult time for Nepal, those Fisher House Gurkha Veterans who have Blind Veterans UK served us so loyally in our SVGCA – Homes for hour of need, and the Trust.” Heroes Scotland The Prince’s Trust One of Tom’s Paintings

6 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Team H4H

We Are Help for Heroes

From volunteers to fundraisers and corporate partners to staff members, Team H4H is made up of a huge number of amazing people, all doing their bit for ‘the blokes’ and their loved ones. Here are just some of the people that make up Team H4H.

A Veteran at Plymouth Recovery The ‘Tin Hut’ is where our story began Centre #wearehelpforheroes in 2007 #wearehelpforheroes

Our Heroes inspire us Lifetime fellowship and peer support for all the family #wearehelpforheroes #wearehelpforheroes

Volunteers are still the heart of how we do what we do #wearehelpforheroes

What’s your H4H story? Tweet us (@helpforheroes) or join in the conversation on Facebook (www. facebook.com/Helpforheroesofficial) using #wearehelpforheroes to share Sport is an essential part of recovery #wearehelpforheroes how you’re part of Team H4H.

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 7 Fundraising Stories

Do Your Bit With Pride

At Help for Heroes we believe our supporters are the best out there. We are incredibly “Your support makes a real difference lucky that so many good to people like me and my friends and British men, women and children choose to back ‘the to be able to express in words just how blokes’ time and time again. grateful we are is quite difficult. So I’ll We are proud of you – and we hope you are proud too. just say two and that’s Thank You.” Your continued generosity Veteran Dave Henson, H4H beneficiary provides not only essential support to all our Heroes, but, as importantly, it provides moral support that tells our injured Servicemen and women that their country remains firmly behind them. ‘It all counts and it is all makes a difference; thank you’ There are so many ways that you have ‘done your bit’ in 2015, from baking to cycling to skydiving to volunteering to giving donations and everything in between. Just some of the highlights of 2015 follow throughout the pages of HEROES, but no matter how big or small your contribution – it is all seen, it all counts and it is all makes a difference; thank you.

Don’t forget to visit www.h4hweb.com/h4hnews to discover even more of the amazing ways that you have supported our Heroes in 2015.

8 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Fundraising Stories

You’re Amazing!

Our Supporters are the best out there. Here are just some of the things you’ve done over the years… You’ve purchased over 7 million wristbands. You’ve cycled over 900,000 miles – that is the earth’s circumference 36 times. In 2015 alone, you’ve fallen 2,400,000ft whilst skydiving (the height of 83 Everests on top of each other). You’ve bought 1,000,000 music singles in support of the Charity through the X-Factor. You bought 350,000 slices of cake during the 2015 Bake for Heroes campaign. …and so much more… all for ‘the blokes’. Thank you! Let us know the weird and wonderful ways you’ve been supporting Help for Heroes by tweeting @helpforheroes

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 9 Fundraising Stories

Fundr aising Heroes

Nine-year-old Kyle Richmond got one of the loudest cheers of the night, receiving his award for raising a staggering £1,200. He’d originally set himself a target of £50. Other winners included 77 and 81-year-old Molly and Alan Denton. Having lost both their daughters, their love of dance inspired them to fundraise for charity through their dance club. To date they have raised over £37,500 for Help for Heroes: “I feel we are so lucky to dance when so many are unable to do the basic things we all take for granted,” said Molly. “We’re in the business of helping. But we can’t do it without you” The awards proved to be a great success, with guests having an enjoyable and Just some of our wonderful supporters with their well-deserved Hero Awards moving evening. To all the award winners and everyone Our Tedworth House Recovery Co-Founders Bryn and Emma who has volunteered and Centre was the setting for Parry were delighted to have fundraised for the Charity, the 2015 Hero Awards. the opportunity to pay tribute we would like to say a massive Held annually, the awards to fundraisers and volunteers: thank you. Your support is recognise the amazing work “We’re in the business of helping to rebuild lives. of supporters who have gone helping. That’s what we do. beyond the call of duty. But we can’t do it without you,” praised Bryn. Rather than being purely based on the amount of Beneficiary Ambassadors who money individuals raise, the presented the awards were awards are about rewarding thrilled to meet those whose commitment and dedication support helped them on their to the cause. They are our way recovery journey. Jamie Hull, Inspired to be a Fundraising of showing how grateful we one of the Ambassadors, Hero? Join the team by visiting www.h4hweb.com/ are to the unsung heroes who said: “The world would be a h4hfundraising to see how give so much to support the very different and dull place you can help in 2016. work of Help of Heroes. without people like you.”

10 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Fundraising Stories

Fundr aisers’ Stories

Our H4H fundraisers have been getting out and about to do Why not their bit for our Heroes. become a H4H Whoever you are, whatever your age and whatever you choose volunteer? There to do to raise funds we’re always grateful for all your hard work. are so many ways Memorial Match for a Local Hero to get involved: The Jamie Kerr Memorial Match, played at Central Park in Join our national Cowdenbeath, was set up by friends in November 2010 as an fundraising events. ‘East Fife Derby’. It is held in memory of Private Jamie Kerr Give talks and who was killed in Iraq in 2007. presentations at local Playing in donated strips from Dunfermline FC and schools and businesses. Cowdenbeath FC, players are sponsored and local businesses Spread the word about donate prizes for a raffle at the match. The 2014 game raised H4H in your area. nearly £6,000 and this year’s fixture hopes to top that. Look after and find places Thank you to all involved for your continued support – good for H4H collection tins. luck for 2015’s game. Why not tweet @helpforheroes with the result? Volunteer in our H4H shops. Support our Mobile Ruby’s Colourful Calendars Retail Team. This year Ruby Herbert, who Assist with or run your at 3 is one of our youngest own H4H stall. fundraisers, visited Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Volunteer at events. Tedworth house, to drop off some of her specially designed Support our Help for Heroes calendars. street collections. Ruby used her handprints Take part in our national and footprints to create her collection weekends. very own masterpieces, which Be a Bake for Heroes were turned into calendars Champion. and sold to friends and family to raise money for Become Hero Bear ‘the blokes.’ for a day. (Shhhh, don’t tell the kids!). At the last count, Ruby has sold nearly 200 of her calendars, including one to Hero patron . Ruby has already raised more than £1,000 for Inspired to join our army of Help for Heroes. Thank you fundraisers and volunteers? Ruby uses hand art to make her Visit www.h4hweb.com/ Ruby and keep painting! colourful calendars h4hvolunteer for more info.

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 11 Fundraising Stories

Events and Challenges

This year thousands of people around the UK and across the world decided to take on big and small events and challenges Just some of the to fundraise for Help for Heroes. The enthusiasm, ideas things you’ve and dedication you have shown to our Heroes in 2015 is done this year inspirational. We cannot thank you enough for the great things you do. Swimming through mud. From conquering a personal challenge to hosting a Christmas Driving 2,000 miles Ball to holding a simple bake sale, our supporters are part across Europe. of a huge fundraising family – and we think you are brilliant. Holding quizzes.

“Simply the most incredible Conquering mountains. challenge I have ever faced Taking on your first ever and the most satisfying 10k run. achievement!” Jumping from planes. Kilimanjaro Trekker Riding bikes. Putting on a West End Show.

“Thank you for your lovely welcome today. You and everyone who were charged with us mere mortals must be congratulated. We were very impressed. Brilliant.” “You really make people Wings & Wheels Visitor feel appreciated for doing fundraising for your Charity. I am so pleased I decided to run for Help for Heroes!” H4H Runner

Taking on a challenge, or “The challenge was fantastic, holding an event for us in great people, excellent 2016? Want to find out how organisation and a fantastic to maximise your fundraising? finale… the whole experience Check out our handy guide to fundraising here: was almost overwhelming. www.h4hweb.com/ Thank you!” h4hfundraise Hero Ride Cyclist 12 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Corporate Partners

Best in the Business

We are lucky to have an incredible network of corporate supporters, who work tirelessly to do their bit for ‘the blokes’. Thank you – we look forward to working with you all again in 2016! Here are just three examples of Corporate supporters that have made a difference to the lives of our Heroes in 2015.

Created by: Heroes. Brewed by: Marston’s. Enjoyed by: Everyone. Marston’s Help for Heroes Ale has proved hugely popular with an impressive 1 million pints sold already. Marston’s Head Innovations Brewer worked with three injured Veterans to create the unique blonde ale. Beneficiaries Pete Dunning, ‘Baz’ Whittingham and Si Brown knew exactly what they were looking for and after tasting samples quickly arrived at what they wanted. The partnership has been embraced by Marston’s landlords and pub staff who have raised over £45,000 to date through collection tins on the bar, quiz nights, live music evenings, BBQ afternoons and more.

Alf Turner The Turner family has a long association with the Armed Forces going back over 60 years. As a butchers based in Aldershot, the home of the , it is fitting that the brand has chosen to support H4H through on-pack donations. Hot on the heels of the success of the pork sausages range, the Dragon’s Egg was launched in July 2014 selling over 1 million eggs in just over a year! New in 2015 is Dragon’s Fury, a chilli pork crackling snack, and Pork Scratchings.

NEW – Help for Heroes XTREME, The Fragrance for men Five Heroes have come together with a leading fragrance house to create ‘Help for Heroes XTREME, The Fragrance’, a rugged, masculine fragrance for men. Steve McCulley, Dan Richards, Clive Smith, Corbin Mackin and Karl Hinett worked with Marianne Martin, a senior perfumer, to learn about the fragrance creation process and to select the ingredients. Like true fragrance ‘noses’, they weren’t happy until they had the balance just right. The Veterans chose a modern yet timeless fragrance, a woody, musky scent blended with a strong kick of pepper and spice. Wrap this up as the perfect Christmas gift for your hero! XTREME is available in Debenhams and at least £3 from every sale will be donated to Help for Heroes.

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 13 Hero Ride 2015 Hero Ride 2015 100 Heroes 18,000 miles 7 days 1,000 amazing fundr aisers This is the story of Hero Ride

14 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Feature Story

Hero Ride 2015

For a week in June, over 1,100 riders pulled on lycra and took to their bikes to show their support for our country’s Heroes. You Can Ride This year’s Hero Ride was super-charged, with more routes With Heroes available than ever before. Riders set off from nine different in 2016! points across the country, and even as far afield as France. What: It was the biggest show of cycling support that we’ve seen. Big Battlefield Bike Ride Every Help for Heroes bike ride gives fundraisers the 2016: The Western Front opportunity to ride alongside the very people they’re raising funds for; men and women who have sacrificed their minds When: and bodies in the service of our country. 5–11 June 2016

Hero Ride 2015 was no different, with 100 Heroes – who Distance: between them cycled 18,000 miles – riding alongside our 350 miles fundraisers. The moment our wounded led this year’s Hero Riders over the finish line at Windsor Racecourse was very Rating: special indeed. Moderate–Tough We know our supporters are exceptional and are always willing to ‘do their bit’ for our ‘blokes’. Our Heroes know that too – Feel-good Factor: Adam Clark, one of ‘the 100’, said: “All these people that cycled Off the scale! and raised money did it for us…it’s overwhelming. Everyone did really, really well”. Find out more and secure your place: Fundraisers and beneficiaries alike are quick to champion our Bike Rides. In fact, when asked what she thought of www.h4hweb.com/ Hero Ride 2015, fundraiser Em Clarkson said: “Hero Ride bbbr16 is totally inspirational – do it and it will change your life”.

Why Cycle for Heroes? “I’d worked for H4H for a year, lost some weight and started cycling when Bryn gently encouraged me to get involved in next years H4H signature cycling challenge – the BBBR 2016. I’ve bought a road bike and some lycra (my wife does not approve) and am now trying to build up the miles. I am using every way I can to track down old friends and colleagues to ask for their fundraising support. What did we ever do without Facebook, LinkedIn and JustGiving? I can’t wait to ride with some of our Heroes and the amazing fundraisers that keep H4H going.” Clive Emerson, Chief Financial Officer, Help for Heroes

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 15 TypeHero of Ride Story 2015

“The best way to judge if a charity is doing what it’s supposed to be doing is to see whether the people they are trying to raise money for give something back whenever they have the chance.” Simon Taylor, H4H beneficiary & Hero Ride 2015 participant

16 www.helpforheroes.org.ukwww.helpforheroes.org.uk A Hero’s Story

Mark’s Story

Mark Taylor I joined the Army in 1989 Within two days I was in and my last full operational Tedworth House. I stayed for tour was Iraq 2004 where my a chat with a support worker. company found itself under It was the first time that constant fire for six weeks. anyone had really sat me There were times when down and listened to what I thought I wouldn’t make I had to say. Back then I it out alive. believed that Help for Heroes When I came back, I was a saved my life. Now I believe changed man. I didn’t want that they gave me the tools to admit I was suffering but, I needed to save myself. over the next nine years, They asked me what I liked to drink, anger and depression do; what I needed. After one slowly ruined my life. conversation I was in put in People often refer to suicide touch with pension advisors, as the ‘easy way out’, but employment consultants making the decision to kill and psychological wellbeing myself was the hardest advisors who signposted thing I’ve ever done. I felt me to Combat Stress to that it was my only option treat my PTSD. I also – I couldn’t be the husband, signed myself up to play father, brother, or son that I golf, something I hadn’t had been before and, almost done for a very long more importantly, I couldn’t time. I’ve never be the soldier I wanted to looked back. be, either. I took part in Hero The first time I decided to try Ride 2015 to give to kill myself was hardest, but something back. the second time was easier. It was my third If it hadn’t been for a friend Hero Ride – all coming over unexpectedly, I of them have would have gone through with given me such it. Thankfully, he saw that I a huge sense was in a bad way and told me of achievement to speak to Help for Heroes. and camaraderie.

This is how you are helping our Heroes rebuild their lives, everyday.

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 17 Cricket for Heroes

Heroes & Legends

Spirits weren’t dampened though – just stepping onto The Oval was a massive achievement for our Heroes, as player of the match, Sergeant Tracy Hills explains: “Help for Heroes brings us back together, and we’ve got that banter going again and we feel needed, which is a big part of the forces – being part of a team – and Help for Heroes has done that for us.” Next up was a star-studded exhibition match, where the legends of cricket took to the Rest of the World’s Brian Lara in action field in front of a packed Kia Oval. Before long, balls were A review of The members of the Help for being slogged all over the park Cricket for Heroes Heroes Cricket Club trained to the cheers of the crowd. hard for their Oval debut, To add to the excitement, September was the month our even facing the EPD Team for Andrew Strauss pledged friends at Old Mutual Wealth, a warm-up match a month £1000 per boundary to Help together with Kia Oval, hosted before the big day. for Heroes; he managed four the very first international in total! Help for Heroes Twenty20 However, a win was not on cricket fundraising event – the cards for the H4H XI as Overall, Cricket for Heroes Cricket for Heroes. the recently-crowned world was an outstanding victory, champions EPD Team bowled which showed that when you The whole day was a them out for 48. combine amazing fundraising monumental success with efforts with an inspirational 18,000 supporters enjoying recovery activity you get an perfect conditions to watch unforgettable day of cricket magical cricketing moments that raised a great deal for at the world famous Kia Oval. ‘the blokes’. Spectators were also able to see, first hand, how their Special thanks go to JLT, support of Help for Heroes the Financial Times and has changed the lives of Arbuthnot for their support our brave Servicemen of Cricket for Heroes. and women. Want to relive the highs First to the wicket were the of Cricket for Heroes? England Physical Disability Just pop over to www. (EPD) Team vs an H4H XI Tracey Hills celebrates during the h4hweb.com/h4hcricket made up of wounded, injured game against England Physical where you can flick through and sick military personnel. Disability Team at the Kia Oval. the photos from the day.

18 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Cricket for Heroes

Lee’s Story

In September Lee James, a former NCO of the Royal Welsh Armoured Infantry Regiment, proudly strode on to the world-famous Kia Oval, in front of thousands of spectators, to play for the Help for Heroes Cricket Club. For Lee, this was a particularly meaningful moment, which signified just how far he has come in his battle to recover from both a physical and psychological injury. Lee didn’t feel able to talk about his psychological wounds without feeling judged, so turned to writing poetry, which gave him the mental space to start healing his mind. This in turn gave him the courage to try something new; picking up a cricket bat. In this poem Lee movingly explains how his involvement with the H4H Cricket Club has enabled him to transform his life.

Help For Heroes Cricket Club

You step away from the life where your job is to fight, and in to your head where you can’t see the light, no words can describe the feeling of pain, and the feeling that life is no longer the same. The risks that you take and the things that you see, mind wrapped up in chains, no longer free, stuck in a world with no feelings expressed, feeling cold and alone and forever depressed.

Then comes the group where your feelings are shared, memories passed and injuries declared, no judgement is passed no feeling alone, no time in your head just sat on your own, To the wicket we march for a game of two halves, one for the sport and one for our hearts, from feeling alone and fighting a war, three services combine to battle once more.

The cricket’s a gift to the guys left so broken, where the troubles we have are no longer unspoken, the feeling of brotherhood brought back to our hearts, again on the battlefield where we all have our parts. Smiling again our journeys complete, to The Oval we step where we won’t see defeat.

Lee James, July 2015

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 19 Real Life Stories

Family Matters

We know that it is not just Kimmy, her husband and ‘the blokes’ who need a their young baby were living helping hand; their families 300 miles away from family and loved ones do too. So, and friends and feeling very whether you’re a son, brother, isolated. Then, they popped mother, father, husband, wife, into the Help for Heroes daughter, or perhaps best Recovery Centre, Tedworth friend – we’re here to tell House. Thanks to your you that you matter too, support we were there and we’re here to help. for Kimmy and her family. Mutual support and friendship “The team are amazing, kind, Kimmy’s Story are important parts of belonging thoughtful and always make to the Band of Sisters “The Recovery Centre us feel like we are visiting our welcomed us with open arms “My husband and I have been second home” and we became members given so many opportunities One of the ways we support of the H4H Fellowships, the through H4H. Big or small they our Heroes’ loved ones is Band of Brothers and Band make you feel like someone through the H4H Band of of Sisters. The team are cares and is there thinking Sisters Fellowship. One of our amazing, kind, thoughtful and of you, which makes such a members is Kimmy, whose always make us feel like we difference to our daily lives. are visiting our second home husband is an injured Veteran. “Without Help for Heroes, the when we are at Tedworth. staff, the Recovery Centres, the support, the advice, the financial support, the coffee, the cake, the family days, the opportunities and the efforts of all involved who work so hard to keep raising money to keep this charity doing what it does we would be lost! They have certainly changed our world; Thank you!”

If you care for a wounded, injured or sick Hero please get in touch – we’re here for you and want to help. Visit www. h4hweb.com/h4hsupport to find out how we can be there for you, for life. Kimmy with her family

20 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Real Life Stories

A Life Transformed

James and Lucy on our Trading shoot.

Our hoodies are always popular and come in plenty of colours. Lucy is wearing the Plum Aspire Hoody (£27).

Lucy is wearing the Rhubarb Aspire Hoody (£27), James is wearing the Navy Valour Hoody (£27) – take a look James is wearing the Navy Button Neck Sweatshirt (£35). at the full range of pull on and zipped hoodies. When James Tattingham After further tours in the and James talked openly with returned home after a Falklands and Kenya, James the Psychological Wellbeing 7-month Afghanistan tour, he retuned home and noticed Team, who referred him to had no idea he would bring his behaviour had changed. Combat Stress. the war home with him. “I would lash out and snap at “Help for Heroes got me Following months of recurring the slightest little thing. Lucy involved in activities like nightmares and aggressive said I was like a loose hand Hero Ride and Iron Man. behaviour, his wife Lucy made grenade, she didn’t know I’ve calmed down a lot and the most important phone call when I was going to go off.” I’m not angry anymore. If it she would make – to Help for Lucy urged him to go to the wasn’t for Help for Heroes and Heroes. From there, James’ life doctors where he broke down my wife I probably wouldn’t turned around for the better. in tears. Unsuccessful sessions be here today. They kept with a psychiatrist led to Lucy James, 27, served in the me going.” phoning Help for Heroes. Parachute Regiment and often faced up to six hours James, Lucy and their two of firefights each day in the children were invited to stay Wear your support for Heroes like James and Lucy. deserts of Afghanistan. at Help for Heroes Recovery Visit us in store or go to The horrors he saw left Centre Tedworth House. They www.h4hweb.com/shoph4h a lasting mark. took part in activities together

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 21 Real Life Stories

The Future’s Bright

Craig Fetherston imagined he would spend his entire career in the Armed Forces. But when he was shot through both legs during an attack in Afghanistan in November 2010 after just one year of service, everything changed. Craig was medically discharged in 2014, and his future looked very uncertain. Craig was an Infantryman and only 24 when he was wounded: ‘The attack was a complete ambush – we were responding to a cry for help from a member of the local community. The enemies were behind us so we were totally exposed. “They shot across the entire line of men and I was hit. Craig working on a guitar during one of our wood workshops at Tedworth House “It was like a red-hot poker Recovery Centre being swung at me, knocking me off my feet. After The experience equips them and point you in the right that everything is a blur. I with the knowledge and direction. They support you in remember being in terrible skills to forge a successful the best way they can, every pain, and thirsty. I spent a few second career. It is made up step of the way. They guide days in Bastion before being of three parts: Inspire, Enable you in a way that helps you flown back to Birmingham and Support. make your own decisions.” where my parents and sisters With the support of the were waiting for me.’’ Pathfinder team Craig made Craig spent four years the decision to reignite an old rehabilitating from his injury, passion and is now pursuing during which he visited Help a career in woodworking, for Heroes’ Recovery Centre, something he had explored Tedworth House. It was before joining the Army. there that he heard about “Help for Heroes really helped its Pathfinder course, which me in the process of getting helps Veterans map out back into civvy street. The a new future. Pathfinder guys really open “They support you in the best you up to so many things way they can” you never thought possible

22 www.helpforheroes.org.uk Real Life Stories

Stepping into the Light

You just need to have faith and pick up the phone. As soon as I took that first step I felt an overwhelming sense of relief because I was talking to someone who actually understands. It was like stepping into the light again.” Simon was able to access Hidden Wounds, to treat his depression, via Skype: “It was so easy. I could have my sessions in my study. I was on my own, but I had someone in the room with me.” An added benefit of receiving treatment for his depression is his relationship with his kids has improved: “When you’re depressed you push your family away; your kids are first. Hidden Wounds Simon feels more positive about the future after receiving treatment from the changed all that, helping me Hidden Wounds team to reengage with my kids in Simon Turpin, 51, joined the mentally. He explains: a more sensitive way. British Military to follow in “I had this hacking cough that Simon’s treatment for the footsteps of his family. He wouldn’t go away. The doctor depression through Hidden says: “I’m an ordinary Veteran said ‘actually, you’ve got Wounds has given him tools with a relatively quiet period middling depression’.” Simon’s to maintain his mental health. of service. But, there were depression took the form of Looking to the future, Simon some incidents that have losing time, feelings of self- wants to give something caught up over time.” loathing and not caring for back: “I hope my story will his physical appearance. It was the sad death of encourage anyone in a similar a friend in training that January 2015 brought with place to reach out for help. contributed, some 15 years it an email from Help for Too often the topic is seen after discharge, to the onset Heroes that had a link to the as taboo, or it is difficult to of Post-Traumatic Stress Hidden Wounds service at the discuss when you feel so Disorder (PTSD). He eventually bottom. He knew he needed vulnerable. But, have faith, received support to help him to make the call to ask for Hidden Wounds really works.” manage his condition. help: “I remember feeling like I had just jumped off a cliff. To find out more about how In 2014, Simon found himself The Hidden Wounds team Hidden Wounds can help you, temporarily unemployed, makes reaching out and asking visit www.h4hweb.com/ causing him to hit a brick wall for help incredibly easy. h4hhiddenwounds

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 23 News in Brief

News in brief

Arch to Arc 2015 Coming Up In 2016 It wasn’t just our wounded Heroes that took on Arch to Invictus Games 2016 Arc. Michelle, whose fiancé Using the power of sport, the Invictus Games aims to inspire is a beneficiary, is part recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider of the Help for Heroes understanding for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen Band of Sisters Fellowship. and women. Help for Heroes are delighted to be involved Having the opportunity in next year’s Invictus Games, taking place in Orlando from to take on the challenge 8–12 May. enabled her to achieve something extraordinary. KCL Study A study by King’s College London aims to establish the number of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and Veterans who require support following service in the British Armed Forces since 1991. Funded by Help for Heroes, the study will enable the Michelle and fiancé Andy at the end of Arch to Arc Government and the charity sector to plan for the number She says: “I’d never taken of those who may require support and how we can best part in a triathlon before, deliver it, together. The study has been completed and the never swum in open water results will be published soon. and had never ridden a Rio Paralympics Games road bike. The thought of it all was more than slightly Help for Heroes are thrilled to be working with the British overwhelming. With the help Paralympic Association to support military Paralympians on and encouragement of the their road to Rio. Our high performance programme ensures fantastic Help for Heroes staff, athletes have the best chance to do their country proud I’ve achieved things this year next year. Stay tuned to find out more. that I never dreamt of doing.”

Arch to Arc Challenge Statistics – Sept 2015 Final Times Run: Team Inspire: 87 miles from Marble Arch 47 hours and 55 minutes to Dover Team Support: Swim: 50 hours and 4 minutes The English Channel Team Enable: Cycle: 55 hours, 53 minutes 181 miles to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris Team Achieve: Withdrew due to Find out more about this amazing challenge conditions of the Channel and show your support by donating here: swim, but carried on and www.helpforheroes.org.uk/arch2arc completed the cycle part

24 www.helpforheroes.org.uk The Last Post

The Last Post – By Jodie Kidd

Seeing the bravery our As challenges go, I’d certainly wounded Servicemen and thrown myself into the deep women show to rebuild their end picking Arch to Arc as my lives proves that anything first. I can see why people is possible. It’s incredibly call it the world’s hardest humbling supporting them triathlon! It’s an 87 mile run, after all they’ve done for us. a swim across the Channel When it comes to strength and a 181 mile bike ride to and courage, they are what finish. Pretty tough going for it’s all about and it’s why I’m any athlete, let alone for a so proud to be involved with team aiming to be the first all- Help for Heroes. female team ever to complete it (their record is now the one My first visit to Tedworth to beat!). House Recovery Centre, and meeting some of the The day we set off from beneficiaries, inspired me to Marble Arch was my birthday, Jodie supporting Jen Warren on the run leg of the challenge get involved. I signed up for but what a way to celebrate! three challenges; Arch to Arc, I cycled with Team Enable, Despite almost no sleep the Burma Bike Ride and encouraging them and in four days, triumphantly a trek to the top of making sure they were okay crossing the finish line Mount Kilimanjaro. as the miles racked up. with my team made it all worthwhile. The determination they showed as they pushed themselves to the limit to make history was awe- inspiring. I met some amazing people with incredible stories and to have played some part in their achievement was an honour. I’m already counting down the days until my Burma and Kilimanjaro challenges. The most important thing though is that, by supporting Help for Heroes, I know I’ll be helping to rebuild lives. After all our Heroes have been through, it’s what they deserve.

Jodie and Team Enable celebrate at the Arc de Triomphe after completing the world’s toughest triathlon

www.helpforheroes.org.uk 25 Join us in 2016

/HelpforHeroesOfficial @HelpforHeroes HelpforHeroesTV

Inspired to do your bit? 2016 promises to be an exciting year for getting involved with Help for Heroes, from fundraising to national campaigns, to cycling and everything in between. Whatever you decide to do, there’s something for everyone! Here are just some of the many ways you can get involved with H4H in 2016:

Adventure Campaigns and Run Skydive with the Red Devils Collections Tough Mudder 26 May, 7 July and 25 August, Bake for Heroes Various dates throughout Old Sarum in Salisbury. 9 June, 16 April – 2 May the UK 4 August and 8 September, Isle of Wight Challenge Langar in Nottinghamshire. BBQ for Heroes 13–29 August 30 April – 1 May Great Wall of China Trek London2Brighton Challenge 23 September – 2 October Stockings for Heroes Send your gifts between 19 28–29 May Mount Kilimanjaro trek October and 13 November JCP Swansea Half Marathon 2–12 October National Collections 26 June Taking place in Asda, London2Cambridge Challenge Walk Debenhams and Moto. 2–3 July Yorkshire Three Peaks Dates TBA soon. 13 August British London 10K 10 July South Coast Challenge Cycle 27–28 August Big Battlefield Bike Ride Great North Run 5–11 June 11 September Thames Bridges Trek 10 September Thames Path Challenge 10–11 September Don’t forget, you can put on your own fundraising events too! For more information, visit www.h4hweb.com/h4hfundraising