Marching for Remembrance: Tim
Former member of the Royal Green Jackets, Tim, will be thinking of three mates lost in service.
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Caroline served in the British Army for 17 and a half years. Deployed on operational tours to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, an injury to Caroline's leg and the onset of mental health challenges ended her military career. This Remembrance Sunday, she marches for a dear friend and family member.
“When I left the military, I managed to fall through every gap that there could have been. I was left with a life changing injury to my left leg and mental health issues. This wasn't passed from my unit in Germany to a UK unit. When I left, we moved back to the Yorkshire - but I felt like I'd just been left high and dry. Like I was fighting constantly. And I gave up. On myself and on the system."
I threw myself into a new job to help bury my head a little. Ultimately, that was detrimental. It was dangerous for my mental health.”
Veteran
Solace in sport
Around Christmas, 2014, Caroline decided to reach out to Help for Heroes for support. What she found was a new community, and a place she could find solace in sport.
"Sport is the most amazing recovery tool for people like me. I've done tons of sporting activities with Help for Heroes and beyond now. I have continued on my own path in sport and recently competed at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa, where I was proud to represent England.
"I've also completed my Coaching Academy qualifications with the Charity, and regularly coach at events, helping other members of the Armed Forces community get involved in sports, keep active and find their confidence again - all amongst a great bunch of people."
Caroline is back on track and helping others through our Coaching Academy - Help for Heroes
Marching for those lost
This year, Caroline will be marching as part of the Charity's cohort, alongside her husband who is a serving soldier. She is one of more than 40 veterans, carers and staff from the Charity, who will pay tribute to fallen comrades by joining the Cenotaph March-past this November.
“When I march this year with my husband Ray, I'll be thinking of our close friend, Daz Flowers, who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was killed in Iraq. I'll also be thinking of my grandad, Jack Hanwell, who served in Europe during the Second World War from 1944 to 1945, and in the Palestine campaign. I'll be marching for my fellow soldiers and friends lost.”
Every day I remember, not just on Armistice Day. However, Remembrance is a day when we all unite to remember, and celebrate the lives of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I know it’s going to be emotional. I will feel a mixture of sadness, gratitude and pride."
Veteran
The Veterans War campaign
Caroline is supporting our Veterans War campaign. A campaign to help all veterans find the peace they deserve after service. You can watch the brand new ad, below.
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