Ordinary People. Extraordinary Efforts. Spring 2019

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If you would like to unsubscribe or 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 3RBor email: contact@helpforheroes.org.uk or phone our Supporter Care Team on 0300 303 9888.

Dear Supporter,

Welcome to the Spring edition of your new look Heroes Magazine!

You may have noticed that we’ve taken on an updated look and feel, which we hope you’ll agree is eye catching and yet still represents the Help for Heroes you know and love.

At Help for Heroes we make a promise to be there for all those affected by their service, for life. We do this not only because it’s what these brave men and women deserve, but because we know that many of them will continue to need support long after the initial impact of their illness or injury.

For those wounded in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq, the future can remain uncertain even now. Take John for example who, 11 years after being caught in an explosion in Afghanistan, still finds fragments of glass under his skin and worries about how his brain injury will affect him in the future.

Because of your generosity, we have been able to fund a ground-breaking study of more than 1,000 men and women who, like John, served in Afghanistan and Iraq, so that we can better understand the long-term effects of injury. You can read more about this unique study, and John’s story, on pages 4 and 5.

We are humbled by the ways in which you continue to go the extra mile for our Heroes. In fact in December thousands of you did just that, when you took part in our Walking Home for Christmas event. Throughout the last few months, lots of you have been out walking, bucket collecting and even dancing in support of our wounded, injured and sick and you can read about some of your latest fundraising efforts on pages 20–22.

In 2018, we were able to reach more than 4,000 of those in need of our help. With your continued support we can keep this momentum going and help even more of our nation’s Heroes. Together, we can keep rebuilding lives.

Best wishes

Melanie Waters CEO, Help for Heroes

WELCOME TO HEROES

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CONTENTS

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04Looking to the future

How a 20-year study is helping to uncover the

long-term needs of those wounded in action.

08Mental Health Matters

Putting an end to the stigma that stops

Veterans asking for help.

16A promise to our Heroes

Together, we are changing lives for

people like Dan.

12The difference you’re making

The amazing things your support has been helping us to achieve.

18 Love. Honour.

Remember.An inspiring new way

to commemorate a loved one.

20Your support counts

Catch up on some of the inspiring things you’ve

been doing to raise money for our Heroes.

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.

30The Last Post

Former RAF Sergeant Michelle Turner’s moving poem about her Invictus

Games experience.

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HOW YOU ARE HELPING OUR HEROES, NOW AND IN THE FUTUREThanks to your support, we’re able to fund a ground-breaking study that’s uncovering the long-term needs of those wounded in action.

Battlefield wounds sustained in a split-second can take years to heal. Thanks to your support, we are funding a world-leading study which follows-up on the health needs of Veterans and Servicemen years after they were injured in places like Afghanistan or Iraq.

Lance Corporal John Herbert’s life was changed forever in 2008, when an Army Land Rover he was patrolling behind in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). John suffered a brain haemorrhage, multiple lacerations and was blinded for three weeks.

Blast damage Eleven years on, John still finds splinters of glass, plastic and metal appearing under his skin. Some of them he is able to prise out, others cause him to cut himself when he shaves. Almost daily, he is reminded of the damage the blast did

and he is worried about the long-term effect on his body. Will the shrapnel under his skin poison his blood or tissue, and how will his brain injury affect him in the years to come?

John’s story is sadly not uncommon. During the conflict in Afghanistan alone, 2,188 military

personnel were admitted to field hospitals, many with life-changing injuries.

While many of those injured have since undergone extensive rehabilitation, their stories do not end there.

The ADVANCE Study, funded by Help for Heroes

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NEWS

and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), is studying the long-term health and welfare of people who were wounded like John. Expert clinicians are comparing everything from bone density to cholesterol levels and lung capacity to work out what wider impact being wounded might have on a Veteran’s overall health.

Not only will this help us to best support them as they are discharged from the Armed Services, it might help prevent further long-term damage amongst future generations.

Lots to learnJohn is one of over 1,000 taking part in the study. He believes that doing so will address some of the uncertainty that he and his family feel they currently face in the years ahead.

“Taking part in the ADVANCE Study means a lot to me, it feels like people actually care. I think people do understand (some of the needs of injured Veterans)

but that there’s a lot still to learn,” says John.

Staff Sergeant Craig Davis is also taking part. Craig has never been wounded but is part of a control group which is also crucial to the study; by comparing personnel of the same age, some wounded and some not, the experts can work out what hidden, long-term damage those injured might have sustained. Keen to do something to help those less fortunate than him, Craig gave up some of his leave and flew from his unit in Germany to the UK to help with the study.

“I’m taking part not only to understand what my own body has been through

during 17 years of army service, but also to help the team gather knowledge that will hopefully improve (the lives of those injured). I feel privileged to be taking part,” he says.

The ADVANCE Study’s initial findings are due later this year.

It’s thanks to your support that we are able to help pay for work like this, and to make a promise to people like John that we are doing all we can to support their needs, now and in the future.

Taking part in the ADVANCE StudyADVANCE is studying a group of combat casualties and combat Veterans selected by Defence Statistics as fitting the following essential criteria:

• UK Armed Forces personnel• Male• Aged under 50 when deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan• Aeromedically evacuated from theatre directly to

a UK hospital OR matched for age, rank and role in theatre with somebody who was aeromedically evacuated.

If interested in taking part or wondering about eligibility, please email dmrc-advancestudyteam@mod.gov.uk or telephone 01509 251500, ext 3408.

Facebook @ADVANCESTUDYDMRC Twitter @AdvanceStudy Web advancestudydmrc.org.uk

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STUDYING THE LONG-TERM NEEDS OF VETERANSDave Henson, who lost his legs in Afghanistan, explains why the ADVANCE Study will be just as important for future generations of Servicemen and women as it is to him.

When former Army Captain Dave Henson lost both of his legs in Afghanistan in 2011, the double above-the-knee amputation he underwent wasn’t the biggest blow. For Dave, it was the loss of a career he’d set his heart on as a teenager that hit the hardest.

“That was the biggest blow for me – having that choice taken away.”

In the years following his injury, Dave has been able to find a new sense of purpose in sport, carving a career as a professional parasport athlete. After he underwent

extensive rehabilitation, Help for Heroes funded a set of racing blades and sockets for Dave and in his own words, he went from being ‘legless’ to competing in both the Paralympics and Invictus Games. But he knows that in the years ahead, there are likely to

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DAVE’S STORY

be associated health challenges that he has to face as a result of his injuries.

Busting myths“There can be a perception that you go through rehabilitation until you’re fixed and then you’re on the road again. What people don’t understand is that the physical injuries we see from the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have a long-term implication too.

“You may well be able to fix an amputee to a certain degree with prosthetics but use of those have a health impact on the body - things like knee replacements and hip replacements at a much earlier age than you would see in the general population.”

Dave has taken part in the ADVANCE Study, undergoing a range of tests to help medical experts understand the full impact of his injuries over time.

Taking part is allowing Dave to understand some of the long-term impact of injury on his own body. His motivation also comes in knowing that the outcome of the study will benefit others who have been through similar experiences.

Helping others“For me it’s an opportunity to make sure I come out of this with the best long-term health outcome but I also hope that taking part might directly benefit someone I’ve come through rehabilitation with.”

“There’s an awful lot of [those already injured] who are alive now that perhaps shouldn’t be as a result of their injuries. By studying what has kept them alive and the changes that have occurred within their body, we’ll be in a better position to be able to help the next generation of Servicemen and women. We’ll be in a better position to treat them and to be able to design

protective equipment for the battlefield.”

Ongoing needsFor Dave, the support that he has already received from Help for Heroes means that the future looks positive. Physical and career rehabilitation have enabled him to excel as a para athlete, and for the moment he feels that life is pretty settled. He knows though that he will have medical needs for the rest of his life.

“I think people underestimate the amount of care wounded Servicemen and women will need over a lifetime.

“Without charities like Help for Heroes, and the support they offer, we would be lost. The people there are making sure we’re getting the most out of life for the long-term rather than just for now.”

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CALLING TIME ON MENTAL HEALTH STIGMAWith your help, we want to ensure that no Veteran with a mental health issue suffers in silence.

Veterans who suffer with mental health issues as a result of illness or injury don’t always find it easy to open up, and as a result can suffer in silence.

This simply isn’t right, which is why in December we commissioned a survey to better understand some of the reasons behind this.

Worryingly, we discovered that Veterans are waiting

an average of four years before asking for help with a mental health issue.

They tell us that there are many reasons for this, one of the most common being that they fear the stigma that often comes with talking about mental health. For those who have served, it can be especially tough to talk openly about feelings when they are trained to be

strong and resilient. They fear that admitting to a mental health issue will be seen as a sign of weakness.

With your support, we want to put an end to the stigma that stops Veterans from asking for help when they need it.

Talking openlyIn January, we launched our Cut The Clock campaign, which asked the nation to help us do just that. Brave Veterans talked publicly about their own mental health struggles. Nick, for example, suffered for 34 years – more than half his lifetime – before seeking help. You can read more about his story on pages 10 and 11.

The campaign encouraged lots of others to come forward and talk about their own experiences with mental health – many of them speaking openly on social media. It also prompted 182 people to contact our psychological wellbeing team and make that crucial first step towards getting help.

A Veteran reflects in the gardens of our Tedworth House Recovery Centre.

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NEWSThis is all really positive. The more that mental health is spoken about, the quicker we can eradicate the stigma that stops many from reaching out for support.

Hidden woundsBecause of you, last year we were able to offer mental health support to 881 Serving Personnel, Veterans and their families. 386 of these accessed our Hidden Wounds service, which offers cognitive behavioural therapy and other forms of psychological support to those suffering with issues including anxiety, depression and anger. Many more attended a range of psycho-educational courses available to Veterans and their families.

More to reachBut for every person that has so far received help, many more are still suffering in silence.

For this reason, we must all work hard to raise awareness, cut mental health stigma and be there for those in the Armed Forces community when they need us.

With your help, we can reach more people who need us and encourage those that

have not yet stepped forward to contact us.

In the future, no Veteran should wait for four years to come forward.

Keeping the conversation goingIt’s important to keep talking about mental health issues among Veterans, because the issue isn’t going away.

According to research carried out by King’s College London, at least 66,090 Servicemen, women and Veterans who served between 1991 and 2014 will need some form of health-related support in the years to come. A staggering 90% of those (an estimated 61,319) will require mental health support.

With the number of medical discharges due to poor mental health on the rise, last year we made contact with MPs on the Government’s Defence Select Committee, asking them to look into the issues around military mental health and the provision of support that is currently available. Work on this is ongoing and we continue to lobby the Government to ensure Veterans can receive the appropriate care when they need it.

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN VETERANS THE FACTS

are unsure of the support available to them

30%of Veterans with psychological wounds say they have never reached out for support

is the number of years, on average, it takes a Veteran to ask for mental health support

25%of Veterans say that the reason they delay help-seeking is because they fear being treated differently by friends

28%say they have mistrust in civilian services

27%4 YEARS

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Nick Martin suffered with undiagnosed PTSD for 34 years. It wasn’t until he had a massive heart attack that he knew something needed to change.

“My recovery isn’t complete, but the change to my life has been phenomenal”

Nick Martin understands the lasting impact of a mental health issue left untreated. For more than 30 years, the former Royal Navy stores accountant struggled to cope with the after effects of the Falklands War. He was on board the SS Atlantic Conveyor when it was hit by two Argentine missiles in 1982 – rescued by a

colleague who never made it home.

Nick suffered a fractured skull, broken jaw and dislocated shoulder as a result of the blast. And whilst his physical wounds would in time heal, the damage done to his mental health lasts to this day.

On returning from the conflict, life initially went

on and Nick continued to serve in the Royal Navy for four more years. But the impact of what he had been through would quickly shape the course his life would take. Nick made the decision to leave the Armed Forces in 1986, worried that he was missing out on watching his young children grow up. When he returned

NICK’S STORY

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NICK’S STORYto civilian life, he struggled to adapt.

“I started to feel guilty about those who hadn’t returned from the Falklands and wouldn’t experience getting married or moving on with their careers. The guilt I felt about surviving got heavier and subconsciously, I started punishing myself. I’d go for a run and push myself until my trainers squelched with blood, or I’d put on the heaviest backpack I could find and walk until I was exhausted. I took dead end jobs - I didn’t want to handle responsibility for anything, not even my own life.”

Breaking downUnbeknown to Nick at the time, he was suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The following years passed by in a blur. His marriage broke down. There were days when he wouldn’t get out of bed because he didn’t want to face what was on the other side of the bedroom door.

“If I was awake for 16 hours it was 15 hours too long. I was spending more and more time on my own too.

There was a longing for something to change but I didn’t know how to.”

Then five years ago, Nick suffered a massive heart attack. Realising that he’d come close to losing his life jolted him into seeing he needed to take action. A friend who knew about PTSD put Nick in touch with another charity that offers support to injured Veterans.

“Talking to that counsellor was difficult. I was embarrassed to break down in front of him, because it had taken me so long to ask for help knowing that something was wrong. The first step isn’t admitting you’ve got a problem, it’s knowing that you need help.”

Finding support Nick was referred to Help for Heroes to further his recovery. He joined our Band of Brothers Fellowship and immediately discovered the benefit of being around like-minded people.

“Joining the Fellowship was like instantly having a family of 1,000 brothers and sisters, people who understand each other because of what they’ve been through.”

Having avoided socialising for many years, Nick initially found being around others daunting. But with support, he became a member of the Invictus Games Choir and took up sports and art classes. Steadily, his confidence grew.

Looking forwardNow that Nick is receiving ongoing support to manage his PTSD, life is looking much more positive. Last year, he showcased his artwork at the first ever Help for Heroes Creative Force exhibition and took part in the Invictus Games in Sydney. He works in a school and he attends a regular Veterans’ breakfast club.

“PTSD is a nasty condition that eats away at you without you knowing it. It took me 34 years to even know that’s what I had and see that it was ruining my life.

“My recovery isn’t complete, but the change to my life has been phenomenal. I’m looking forward and that’s exciting.”

I do think, if I’d had help from Help for Heroes years ago, what else could I have achieved by now?

“I do think, if I’d had help from Help for Heroes years ago, what else could I have achieved by now?”

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ALL OF THIS IS THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORTThe stories on the previous pages highlight some of the work we’re able to carry out thanks to your amazing support. Here are some other milestones that you’ve helped us achieve over the past year.

Reaching record numbersLast year, you enabled us to help more Veterans and their families than ever before. In 2018, we made contact with 4,149 new individuals. This means that more than 4,000 wounded, injured and sick Veterans, Serving Personnel and family members received the support they needed to have a second chance at life.

OF THOSE 4,149:

1,714881

46978

4,400

Veterans and their families accessed our Psychological Wellbeing service and were able to receive support for issues relating to mental health

Veterans accessed our Welfare service, meaning that they could receive advice and guidance on a range of issues such as money, health, housing and respite

Veterans were able to access support from our Help for Heroes funded careers advisors so that they could improve their job search skills

This is the number of wounded Veterans and their families that we aim to support in 2019. With your help, we hope to be able to change even more lives.

Veterans and their loves ones became new members of our Band of Brothers and Band of Sisters Fellowships, giving them access to support and a listening ear. Our Fellowships now have more than 11,000 members in total

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YOUR SUPPORT

THE MAGIC OF INVICTUSSport plays such a big part of the recovery journey for many of our wounded, injured and sick and it’s because of your generosity that we are able to continue to offer the Invictus journey and witness the impact that taking part has on our Heroes.

Last October, the fourth Invictus Games took place in Sydney, Australia. We were proud to be able to

train, select and prepare a 72-strong team, who themselves brought home 72 medals!

More than 60% of the Veterans we trained were brand new to the Games and a record number applied to take part.

Our ability to train and support Team UK at the Invictus Games is only made possible because of your support. We’re already excited to be

gearing up for the 2020 games in The Hague, which you can read more about on pages 26 and 27 You can also read more about the power of sports recovery and Invictus in Michelle’s story, on pages 14 and 15.

Thank you once again for your continued support. Together, we can make a promise to be there for our Heroes and their families, now and in the future.

Making a real difference to Veterans’ livesOver the course of 2018, our Health & Physical Wellbeing teams ran nearly 500 different recovery-based activities and events for more than 9,000 participants. From exercise sessions to woodwork and art classes, these activities were designed to engage Veterans in adaptive activities that are cathartic in nature and promote social inclusion, physical activity and access to new opportunities.

It costs, on average, £33 for a Veteran to attend one of our courses. A survey of those who have engaged with our activities found that:

82%

Your support really does help to improve lives.

have learnt new skills

76%felt less isolated

76%were looking forward

to the future more

73%felt healthier

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MICHELLE’S STORY: NEVER GIVING UPThanks to your support, Michelle Turner is on a journey that just three years ago she’d never have thought possible.

Former RAF Sergeant Michelle served for 19 years before contracting a virus whilst deployed. This virus caused Michelle to develop Postural Tachycardia, a heart condition that attacks the immune and autonomic system causing heart rates of over 200bpm and unannounced collapses.

Discharged from the RAF after over 100 collapses and worried to leave the house for fear of waking up on more floors and pavements, Michelle’s confidence started to deteriorate as much as her health had.

One day, her four-year-old daughter saved her life by calling 999 when she collapsed and after that, Michelle was frightened to be on her own.

Losing her independence was difficult for Michelle to come to terms with, but support from Help for Heroes changed all that. A visit to our Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick in 2016 was her first time away from home without

either of her carers. Within weeks of that first visit, Michelle started to tackle her confidence issues.

A safe space“The Recovery Centre is a relaxed safe place where the focus is always on what we can do and not what we can’t – no matter what our injury or illness.

I will never ever be able to thank Roger Coates and the whole team at Phoenix House enough for what they did for me and my family during that first Rolling Recovery Programme week. It was the start of my new life”

With encouragement, Michelle started to believe that she could maybe set herself new goals. Still

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MICHELLE’S STORY

apprehensive about how her health issues might hold her back, her husband persuaded her to apply to take part in the Invictus Games by attending the trials.

“I was a petrified when I walked into the first Invictus 2017 training camp; a far cry from the strong, confident RAF Sergeant I was before I became ill. However, slowly but surely, camp by camp, I remembered that girl I once was.”

Having a goalSports recovery can have such a positive impact on the lives of those who have been affected by illness or injury. For Michelle, trying out for the Invictus Games helped her to find a new sense of purpose and gave her a goal to train towards. She began training to take part in rowing and swimming events for the 2017 Games in Toronto and was thrilled to make it into Team UK.

She flew to Toronto and competed in indoor rowing, placing 6th overall. But the next day disaster struck. Michelle was hospitalised in Toronto and was unable to compete in her swimming race.

“I trained so hard but didn’t get to do it. I didn’t even get wet! I was devastated but my team picked me up and we realised at least I was there trying to be the best I can be.”

A new mindsetHowever, with her new-found confidence, Michelle wasn’t letting this set back stop her from achieving what she had set out to do. Determined to swim and represent Team UK at the 2018 Games in Sydney, she returned to the UK, got back into the water and resumed training.

“I had unfinished business to take care of! Nothing had changed with my symptoms but my whole mindset and confidence had dramatically increased. Why else would I dive into a swimming pool knowing I could be unconscious at any second? Because I can!”

Her determination paid off. Michelle was not only selected to be a part of Team UK in 2018, she was made Vice Captain. Just as she’d set out to do, she competed in both rowing and swimming events in Sydney.

Now, Michelle doesn’t even recognise the girl she was

before she walked through the doors at Phoenix House.

“I’m on a journey that is making me do things I never thought I’d do again, but with the help and support of Help for Heroes, I have been taught that ‘I can’! Our lives haven’t gone to plan but the most important thing is to never give up, keep going and just try to be the best you can be that day. I didn’t think I’d ever make my little girl proud again…but I do and for that I will forever be eternally grateful.”

Michelle has penned an emotional poem about her Invictus experience, which you can read on page 30.

“I’m on a journey that is making me do things I never thought I’d do again”

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WE’VE MADE A PROMISE TO OUR HEROES…You are part of the Help for Heroes community. Together, we make a promise to be there for all those affected by their service, for life.

Last year your support meant that we were able to help more wounded Veterans than ever before. But we know that many more will need us, now or in the future.

More than 66,090 men and women who served between 1991 and 2014 are likely to need support at some stage of their lives*. Many will have mental or physical problems that do not surface until years after they have left the Armed Forces.

For Dan Phillips, the recovery journey will last for life. The former Corporal’s life was changed beyond recognition when he was shot at while on patrol in Afghanistan in 2012.

An ongoing battleHe ruptured discs and damaged his spinal cord. His mobility seriously affected, Dan faced years of intensive therapy and could no longer even move around his own home. Having to leave the army left him heartbroken.

“Being discharged is like being ripped out of a very

close family. It left me in a dark place.”

Thanks to your support, Dan and his family have moved into a house adapted for his needs. He has also been introduced to our range of courses, which are helping him as part of his ongoing recovery journey.

“It’s not just about what you learn – It’s about having

the chance to be around military people again, who understand .”

“It’s going to be a battle, a fight to keep as active as I possibly can because my back will gradually get worse.

“Whatever happens, I know I’ll be able to turn to Help for Heroes.”

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Your support means that we can promise to be there for Dan, and others like him.

In 2018, we were able to help 4,194 new individuals. This year, and thanks to you, we hope to be able to help more than 4,400 more.

Your generosity countsHowever you choose to support us, you are helping to provide recovery and support for injured Service Personnel, Veterans and their families.

Because of you, we can continue to provide recovery and support

in areas including:

• Psychological Wellbeing Giving Veterans and their loved ones access to advice, guidance and support for psychological distress, including stress, anxiety and depression.

• Health & Physical Wellbeing Offering therapeutic activities and education on healthy living.

• Welfare Providing access to Key Workers to help Veterans and their families to live in safe, stable and

affordable homes that are adapted to their needs; plus support to help with budgeting and debt management.

• Training and Employment Support Offering careers advice and coaching, to help Veterans learn new skills.

Thanks to you, Dan and others like him are able to live life beyond injury.

YOUR SUPPORT

* King’s College London, ‘Counting the Cost’ study with Help for Heroes, published January 2016.

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LOVE. HONOUR. REMEMBER.Hero Funds are an inspiring new way to commemorate a loved one and change Veterans’ lives forever.

Over the years, many of our amazing supporters have told us they’ve found comfort and hope by supporting Help for Heroes in honour of a friend or family member. Celebrating the life of a loved one in this special way can help to bring a family together and provide a positive focus at a difficult time.

Jack’s story“Our son, Jack, was a passionate supporter of Help for Heroes. When he died in 2015 we decided to raise money in his memory because we thought it the best legacy for him.

“We asked for donations at his funeral and then people started asking if they could raise money. Our community has really bought into the idea. Jack’s best friend did a sponsored bike ride around all the Premier League football grounds, the local pub has an annual wheelie bin race, friends of ours put on a

curry night...people have been incredible.

“One of the best parts of all this has been hearing people talk about Jack. He was passionate about the charity and knowing we’re carrying that on in his name has kept us going.”

Kevin’s story“Our son-in-law, Colour Sergeant Kevin Fortuna, was a dedicated and talented soldier. In May 2011 he was killed in Afghanistan.

“That feeling when there’s a knock at the door and you see people standing there in uniform, you don’t ever forget that. For six months after Kev’s death we were in a state of shock but doing something for Help for Heroes made sense.

“We’ve all done our bit over the years and we can’t believe people’s generosity.

“If you’re thinking of donating or fundraising in memory of a loved one, we can only say how much we’ve benefited. Knowing you’re helping others can really help you too.

“We miss Kev and always will. He died doing the job he loved but so many of his comrades have to live the rest of their lives with terrible injuries. Kevin would have wanted to

Jack’s family and community support Help for Heroes in his memory.

“Jack was passionate about the Charity and that’s what keeps us going”The Patrick family

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A NEW WAY TO REMEMBER

Create a lasting tribute to your very own HeroInspired by families like these, we’ve introduced a positive new way to remember a loved one. Hero Funds are a lasting tribute created in the name and memory of your very own Hero.

Whether you donate online or offline, invite others to join you or make this a private act of remembrance, every contribution to your Hero Fund will help provide lifetime support to wounded, injured and sick Veterans, serving members of our Armed Forces and their families.

When you set up a Hero Fund you’ll receive:• A secure fundraising

page to personalise and share with family and friends

• A Hero Funds welcome pack containing everything you need to get your fund off to a positive start.

We’ll also be on hand to answer your questions and to help you all the way.

Kevin would have wanted to help his comrades and that’s what keeps the family going.

LOVE, HONOUR AND REMEMBER YOUR HERO TODAYTo find out more or to create a Hero Fund for someone special, visit herofunds.helpforheroes.org.uk or call 01725 514112 or email herofunds@helpforheroes.org.uk.

help them and that’s what keeps us going.”

“Kevin would have wanted us to do something positive to remember him”The Jackson and Fortuna families

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YOUR SUPPORT COUNTSYou continue to go the extra mile to show your support. Whether you’ve been walking, swimming or even dancing to raise funds for our Heroes, you’ve certainly been busy over the past few months and we’re incredibly grateful for your efforts!

Here’s what some of you have been up to.

A walk of Remembrance Two Help for Heroes Volunteers, with a combined aged of 135, raised £3,000 by walking from London to Ypres.

Barry Pyle, 72, from Essex, and Bob Grove, 63, from Hertfordshire, walked 155 miles in just two weeks, starting their epic journey at the Freemasons Hall in London and ending up in Ypres at the Menin Gate for Remembrance Sunday, to the sound of the Last Post.

“I like to think that we followed in the footsteps of our soldiers who travelled to the front lines,” says Barry.

“We also visited some of the cemeteries where those soldiers who gave the greatest sacrifice lie.”

Bob, who was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) seven years ago, is now a mentor for Help for Heroes. He says: “Every penny raised goes to those who need

our help. With seven people a day being medically discharged from the military, that need is increasing.”

You can wear your supportOur fantastic partner Debenhams has unveiled four limited edition menswear T-shirts, designed exclusively for us.

The range will be available to buy from the end of March in selected Debenhams stores, at debenhams.com and via our online shop. Priced at £16 each, all profits from

the sale of the T-shirts (equal to a minimum of 32.7% of the selling price) will be donated to Help for Heroes Trading Limited, which gift aids all its taxable profits to Help for Heroes.

See all the ways you can wear your support at shop.helpforheroes.org.uk

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SUPPORTER STORIES

Walking Home for ChristmasIn December, thousands of you up and down the country donned your Santa hats and took part in our Walking Home for Christmas fundraiser.

More than 2,700 of you braved wintery weather and muddy footpaths to take part in sponsored walks all around the UK in support of Veterans and their families.

The event, which we ran in partnership with Walking With the Wounded, raised an incredible £200,000. A huge thank you to every one of

you who put your best foot forward for our Heroes.

We’ll be telling you more about how you can take part in this year’s Walking Home for Christmas in our Autumn issue, so look out for all the details!

Fundraising fright nightAs fundraising ideas go, Carl Gray’s spooky Halloween spectacular was certainly one of a kind. Carl built a scare attraction on his street in Leybourne, Kent to raise money.

‘Cabin 13’ took the form of a haunted lumberjack’s cabin, belonging to the fictional character ‘Buckskin Bob’. Guests encountered a number of frights, including a spooky séance and a run-in with ‘Bob’ himself, played by Carl.

The event was free, but thanks to a bucket collection Carl raised a fantastic £1,101. He fundraised in memory of his friend Jack Wallis, who sadly lost his life while serving in Afghanistan.

“Help for Heroes has helped his whole family and been really supportive. I wanted to recognise the charity for all the hard work it does and the difference it can make to people’s lives,” says Carl.

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Remembering a Hero When Louie Cole lost his dad to a sudden cardiac arrest, he was determined to do something positive to remember him by.

Dad Michael tragically died aged just 36. Kind hearted Louie, who was 10 at the time, came up with the idea of raising money to help other families in his memory. With help from mum Sherri and sister Jessie, then 6, he arranged a fundraising day at his school with lots of activities, including a raffle, a football match, games and a BBQ.

“It was a really special day and people were incredibly supportive,” says Sherri.

“If you’re thinking about donating or fundraising for Help for Heroes in memory of someone special, I would advise you 100% to do it. You’ll get so much out of it and it really does help to know you’re helping others.”

If you’d like to raise funds in memory of a loved one, you can find out more

about our Hero Funds, on pages 18 and 19.

Dancing queensWhen dancing fan Julie Berry attended a fundraising ball for Help for Heroes in 2017 it got her thinking. Why not combine her love of dancing and fundraising by holding a dance-a-thon? Together with two friends, Katie and Sally, Julie pledged to dance non-stop for 24 hours to raise money for Help for Heroes. “I was inspired after hearing Simon Brown, a Veteran injured in conflict, speak about his experiences,” says Julie. “My brother also served in

the first Gulf War and the Kosovo conflict and I wanted to help.”

So the three friends donned their dancing shoes, created a playlist and took over the local church. “We danced to disco music throughout the night, with our families popping in to keep us motivated,” Julie says.

“Then on the Saturday morning we did some Israeli folk dancing. The whole thing was an incredible experience.”

They managed to raise an impressive £1,970, which they split between Help for Heroes and E1 Ocean Ward at Southampton Hospital.

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SUPPORTER STORIES

Thank you, Moto!The incredible fundraising efforts of Moto staff and Help for Heroes Volunteers around the country recently reached the £2 million mark.

Moto in the Community Trust (MITC), the charitable arm of Moto Hospitality,

has been fundraising for us since 2012 with bucket collections at service stations and a special collection every year on Armed Forces Day.

A team of Moto staff also take to the roads of

Northern France each June, to tackle our annual Big Battlefield Bike Ride.

MITC’s fundraising efforts are supported by our amazing Volunteers too, who alongside 5,000 Moto staff, take on the bucket collections several times a year.

Some of the £2 million raised has most recently helped to fund three special keyworkers based at our Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick, who offer advice and guidance on issues such as health and housing.

Now MITC has pledged to raise another £1 million for our Veterans and their families!

To find out how you can Volunteer at a MOTO collection near you, see page 25.

Making a splashYoung swimmers from Scunthorpe marked Remembrance Sunday by taking part in a charity swimming gala.

Scunthorpe Anchor Swimming Club invited 10 swimming clubs from the local area to take part in a day of both reflection and celebration. Poppies adorned the poolside and two-minute silences were held. Fun was had with the Help for Heroes RAF mascot, who was on hand to cheer on the talented young swimmers. The total raised on the day was a fabulous £850.

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Take part in Bake for HeroesTo hold a bake sale in June, simply register online at h4hweb.com/herobake and we’ll send you your fundraising pack, full of tips on how to run and promote your event. Alternatively, call our Supporter Care Team on 0300 303 9888 to find out more.

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WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT THIS SUMMERSummer may still be a little way off, but we’re already gearing up for a season packed full of events and activities. Find out more about how you can get involved and show that you’re proud to support our nation’s Heroes.

Bakers of Britain, unite!Every year, we encourage the nation to earn their stripes by taking part in our bake sale. This year, we’d love for you to get involved. After all, what better way is there to show your support than by eating cake?

This year’s Bake for Heroes takes place during Armed Forces Week, which runs from 22 and 30 June (although you can hold your Bake outside of these dates), and we’ve got all the information you’ll need to host your very own event. Register for our free fundraising pack and we’ll also provide some of those all-important finishing touches, such as bunting and balloons.

All you need to do is decide who to whip up your treats for, knowing that every penny you raise will help to support Service Personnel, Veterans and their loved ones.

Get behind Armed Forces DayOn 29 June we’ll proudly be getting behind our nation’s forces to celebrate Armed Forces Day. It’s a day for everyone to show their support for all the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us, and to say thank you to them for the commitment and dedication they show to serving their country.

The main national event to mark Armed Forces Day will be held in Salisbury, Wiltshire between 28 and 30 June and we’re excited to be one of the official charity partners. Around 250,000 people are expected to attend over the three days to join in with the celebrations, recognise the vital role that our Armed Forces play and honour our Veterans.

Between 22 June and 6 July there will be lots of other events taking place all over the country in celebration of Armed Forces Day, so look out for one near you.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

GEARING UP FOR A SUMMER OF CYCLING!Would you like the opportunity to experience all the thrill of an international cycle race whilst raising money for our Heroes?

We’re looking for Volunteers to help us fundraise at this year’s Tour de Yorkshire, an exhilarating road cycle race taking place over three days in May.

As the official charity partner of the event, we’ll be sending our army of Volunteers out in force to bucket collect at various points along the route. If you’d like to get involved, please email volunteer@helpforheroes.org.uk for more details.

Now in its fifth year, the Tour de Yorkshire attracts some of cycling’s top athletes, including our very own patron Mark Cavendish, who will take to the tarmac once again in May.

“Seeing Help for Heroes come together in partnership with Tour de Yorkshire in 2019 is incredibly exciting and I look forward to seeing fans of the Tour raise money for our Veterans,” says Mark.

The race, which will weave its way through more than 150 villages, towns and cities, takes place from 2 to 5 May.

Collect for Heroes this summerDuring the summer months, we’ll be out and about all around the country, encouraging people to spare their change for wounded, injured and sick Veterans and their families.

If you live in or around London and would like to do your bit to support our Heroes, you can take part in our bucket collection across some of Transport for London’s major stations on 20 June.

We’re also hosting collections at Moto service stations in May and June and Tesco stores in August.

To find out how you can get involved as a Volunteer, head to h4hweb.com/herovolunteer or call the National Campaigns Team on 0300 303 9888.

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VETERANS GET READY FOR A SUMMER OF SPORTSport plays such an important role in the recovery journey of many of our Veterans. This summer, those who have found purpose in this way will come together for the first ever national games for wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel.

This summer, Help for Heroes Veterans are getting ready to compete in the UKs first ever national Games for wounded, injured and sick Veterans and Serving Personnel.

The Games, which will include trials for the 2020 Invictus Games, will bring together hundreds of individuals and their families

for five days of action-packed adaptive sport including athletics, archery, swimming, cycling and wheelchair basketball.

Ben Groves is one of those hoping to take part. Ben was introduced to sports recovery by Help for Heroes following serious injury in Afghanistan in 2010, which had a major impact on his

mental health. As Ben, from Dunferline, explains, sport has played a big role in helping him to manage his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and rediscover life after injury.

Finding belongingBen said: “After hitting rock bottom last year

Former Invictus Games competitors with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.

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NEWS

“We are extremely proud of the significant progress so many individuals and families have made on their recovery journeys through being part of Team UK. We are delighted that, alongside the Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion, we will be able to help even more individuals benefit from the power of taking part in sport in 2019.”Mel Waters, CEO, Help for Heroes

I succumbed to the despair that PTSD brings with it. I didn’t leave the house, pushed my friends and family away and thought my home was my ‘castle’ and safe place. Through sport and competition I was shown a way to re-engage with the outside world. It gave me a purpose, belonging and a reason to live and I have made new friends along the way!

“Having the support, empathy and encouragement from Help for Heroes has allowed me to demonstrate my potential to others and also to reaffirm to myself that I can still be competitive at sport despite my injuries. I hope to compete in Sheffield and show my family and friends how far I have come.”

Celebrating sportThroughout May and June, Veterans like Ben will be attending sports camps around the country to prepare for Sheffield.

As well as being a celebration of sport and the important role it plays in the recovery journeys of many of our wounded Veterans, the Games will also include Team UK’s trials for the next Invictus Games, taking place in The Hague, Netherlands, in May 2020. There will also be lots of other events and activities celebrating the achievements of those involved and the family and loved ones that support them.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the Games in January and talked about “the incredible power of sport”. Speaking at the launch event, Williamson

said the Games “will ensure we maintain that ‘unconquered spirit’ and momentum of recovery for the special community Invictus has created.”

We’re excited to be delivering the Games alongside the Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion. They’ll be taking place from 22nd to 26th July 2019, and there will be lots more information about how you can get involved, support and watch coming soon. Visit h4hweb.com/jointeamuk to keep up to date with the latest information.

Ben Groves (right) receiving wheelchair basketball coaching from Team UK coach Scott Wallace.

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ARE YOU UP TO A CHALLENGE?Are you looking for a new challenge? Whether you want to improve your fitness, achieve a personal goal or simply try something you’ve never done before, we have lots of exciting events you can get involved with.

Not only will you feel a sense of achievement, you’ll be helping to transform the lives of our Heroes at the same time.

On these two pages, you can find more information about some of our forthcoming challenge events. There’s something in here for all ages and abilities and we’d love for you to get involved.

So, what are you waiting for? Your support will make all the difference.

Practice some pedal power If you’re a keen cyclist, the Big Battlefield Bike Ride (BBBR) is not to be missed. This is a bike ride like no other as you cover 350 miles of the French countryside, from Dieppe to Dunkirk, on a route designed to cater for cyclists of all abilities. You’ll get to ride alongside some of our very own Heroes during a week filled with history,

camaraderie, fun and, of course, cycling.

Registrations for BBBR 2019 are now closed, but you can find out more about BBBR 2020 by contacting our Events Team. Email them at events@helpforheroes.org.uk, or by giving them a call on 01725 514106.

We think that the BBBR is an event like no other, but don’t just take our word for it. Find out more about the BBBR experience, and why fundraiser Glenn Parker is taking part for the second year in a row at h4hweb.com/heroblog.

BBBR 2020

Dates: 7–13 June 2020

Registration Fee: £199

Fundraising target: £2775

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Make muddy memoriesTough Mudder has been a proud partner of ours since 2012, and the partnership has raised more than £3 million to date! Become part of this super human effort by taking on the ultimate assault course.

Designed by Special Forces, a Tough Mudder will push you to your limits. Take on a 5km or 10 mile route, or if you’re feeling brave try the Tougher Mudder series.

We can’t promise that you won’t get muddy, but we can promise a day that

you’ll never forget. One of the unique things about a Tough Mudder is the sense that you’re ‘in it together’ – you’ll find yourself getting help from complete strangers as you haul each other over and under the obstacles!

Get in on the actionPerhaps you’ve got what it takes to complete one of our events from the Ultra Challenge Series, run by our friends at Action Challenge.

Action Challenge events are rewarding, fun, and achievable as you can choose to walk, jog or run at your pace. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try out a half marathon or the 100K Full Challenge?

You’ll get a medal, a T-shirt and even a glass of bubbly at the finish line. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on your registration fee if you’re taking part to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Find out more at h4hweb.com/ultraheroes19

Registration fees start from £5*.

Fundraising target starts from £119*

* figures will vary depending on your preferred event distance and fundraising options.

There are Tough Mudder events taking place all around the UK between now and September. To find an event near you, or for more information visit h4hweb.com/herotough19

WAYS TO SUPPORT

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THE LAST POSTFormer RAF sergeant Michelle Turner was proud Vice Captain of Team UK at last October’s Invictus Games in Sydney. Inspired by her experience, Michelle penned this moving poem.

You can read Michelle’s story on pages 14 and 15.

If you know someone who needs our support, we’re here to help. You can find out more by visiting h4hweb.com/support

The power of sport has forever united us all,From the pool to the track to wheelchair basketball,We are Team UK’s class of 2018,We’ve put on the best performance the world has ever seen.

We’ve fought our battles and are coming through the other side,It’s been hard, it’s been tough, one hell of a ride,From the battlefield to the sports field, good times and bad,Camaraderie and laughter, tears both happy and sad.

We touched down in Sydney in our Team UK kit,The pride, the honour, our heartsare once again lit,We are a team with so much fire, honour and pride,We’ve all competed with passion side by side.

To our Help for Heroes staff how could we ever thank you enough,Laughing with us, crying with us, always there when things got tough,Behind the scenes, wiping blood, sweat and tears,Thank you for teaching us to conquer our fears.

To our friends and family, we just couldn’t be prouder,Their cheers of support just couldn’t get any louder,We’d look up to the stands to a sea of red, white and blue,Our team behind the team, we couldn’t have done it without you.

You’ve stuck by us through every challenge we’ve faced,Our biggest supporters no matter what the race,Picking up the pieces, keeping us together,Hope we’ve made you proud, giving you memories to last forever .

To my fellow teammates a message for when you land at Heathrow,Please continue with your sports, don’t let yourself go,Keep up this incredible spirit, pass it on to your friends,Let’s ensure the Invictus magic never ever ends.

It’s been my honour to vice-captain this incredible team,We’ve shown the world to always dare to dream,To carry on regardless, be the best we can be,Unconquered role models for the world to see.

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WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR HEROESThere are lots of ways you can get involved and support our Heroes. Here are just a few.

A one-off or regular donation, no matter how big or small, will help to fund vital support services for our wounded, injured and sick members of the Armed Forces and their loved ones.

Donate online: h4hweb.com/herodonate

Donate by phone: 0300 303 9888

There are lots of ways you can show your support while taking on a new challenge. Whether you run a race, take on a trek or jump on your bike, our fundraising challenges are a great way to push yourself whilst raising money for our Heroes.

Find out more at h4hweb.com/herochallenges

DONATE

CHALLENGE

Lots of you have wonderful ideas for your own fundraising events. Call our Supporter Care Team and they’ll help you to get your great idea off the ground.

Call 0300 303 9888.

FUNDRAISE

There are many ways you can volunteer for Help for Heroes, from helping out at events to taking part in one of our collection weekends. Volunteering is a fantastic way to support our Heroes, meet new people and have fun.

You can sign up to become a Volunteer at h4hweb.com/herovolunteer

VOLUNTEER

Help for Heroes Trading sells a range of gifts and clothing items. All profits go to the Charity, so you can look good whilst doing good.

Visit shop.helpforheroes.org.uk

SHOP

Hop over to any of our social media channels and if you like what we’re sharing, return the favour! Sharing our stories and videos with family and friends is a great way to help us spread the word about what we do. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SHARE

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

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THANK YOU“After being medically discharged from the Armed Forces in 2016 with life-changing injuries, I felt isolated, vulnerable and at a loss as to how the next chapter of my life would play out. Through Help for Heroes, I’ve been introduced to dragon boat racing and received a grant to help buy sports equipment.

“Thanks to the generosity of the general public and the sound advice of my coach, I hope to realise my dream of qualifying to take part in the World Dragon Boat Championships in Thailand.”

“I would like to thank everyone involved in my journey. I hope to make you all proud.”Lee Dunkley, Help for Heroes beneficiary