Mike's Story

Will you send a message of hope to veterans like Mike this Christmas? 

“Christmas used to be a magical time from when I was a kid right the way through until 2016, which was the last Christmas I spent with my wife, son and daughter,” he said.  

“Now I positively hate it and dread it. I can't socialise because of my physical and mental health issues, and the side effects of my medication.  

“I can't eat or drink normal food due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other ongoing gastroenterological issues. All the while I've got to try to put on a happy face, which is very difficult.” 

Serving through the Troubles 

Mike served for 13 years with the RAF, including two lengthy tours of Northern Ireland during the Troubles.  

In April 1996, while returning to the married military quarters of his RAF base in the East Midlands, he was knocked off his bike by a van travelling at 60 mph.  

Mike suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and severe back injuries. The lasting damage to his spinal column could cause paralysis from the neck down at any moment.  

Mike takes strong prescription opioid medication to try to relieve his ongoing chronic pain, which has caused severe issues including IBS, liver damage and incontinence. 

It has also caused chronic insomnia, meaning he only gets around one to two hours’ sleep a night. 

Mike endures daily mental trauma, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety as a result of his experiences during military service, and the road accident.  

His 12 years as an ambulance driver involved responding to emergency blue light incidents, and he assisted RAF chief pathologists at aircraft crashes. He also faced the traumatic aftermath of the Zeebrugge ferry disaster, and spent years on active duty during the Troubles, all of which have deeply affected him. 

Time of his life 

For many of his 13 years in the RAF, Mike had adventures, made friends and visited beautiful places in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and the Falklands.  

One of the strongest positives from Mike’s time in service was the camaraderie and friendship.  

“I was at the top of my game until my accident. I was leading mountain expeditions. I was climbing in Jordan, skiing in the Alps. I was representing the Air Force at mountain biking and climbing. I was playing football and hockey. I had a beautiful wife and a young son.” 

Following his accident, and after a lengthy and complicated process, Mike was retrospectively medically discharged from the RAF. The delay meant he missed out on War Pension payments he should have been entitled to. 

A massive difference 

Mike now lives alone with his two dogs. His physical disabilities and severe anxiety means he rarely leaves the house.  

The festive period is particularly lonely. 

“I have two children and two grandchildren; unfortunately, due to divorce, I don’t get to see them over Christmas. That hurts like hell and amplifies the feeling of utter isolation. 

“I get invited to extended family and friends over the festive period, but due to all my ongoing issues, particularly the IBS and gastro conditions, I can’t eat out, and worry about not having time to get to the bathroom. I’ve lived on prescribed meal replacement shakes for over four years now. 

“All semblance of normal life has gone.” 

Last year Mike received a Christmas card from a Help for Heroes’ supporter. It was part of our campaign encouraging people to send a message of hope to isolated veterans.  

It’s had a lasting impact on Mike. 

He said: “It makes you remember there are people who care. So we're not on our own in this. It makes a massive difference.” 

Support from Help for Heroes 

A physiotherapist Mike was seeing for his back recommended he get in touch with us for further support. 

“So, I gave them a shout, and they invited me over from Northern Ireland to enjoy a recovery week with these lads who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was 42 and they used to call me grandad. It was fantastic camaraderie among people who had shared experiences and issues.” 

Mike had support from our mental health team, called Hidden Wounds. They provide a wide range of support carefully tailored to each individual who needs them. 

Because of Mike’s poor mobility, Help for Heroes paid for a self-propelled wheelchair. 

“I've also applied to the Veterans Mobility Fund to see if I can get a motorised scooter. I don't go far.   

“I've got torn ligaments in my right knee and a left leg that switches off totally, so mobility-wise I'm not very good. This feeds into my PTSD, depression and anxiety around leaving the house.” 

Life saver 

“Through Help for Heroes I’ve got a clinical liaison advisor called Helen. She's been looking after me for nearly five years and I don't know where I'd be without her.  

“Helen will liaise with all the different aspects of my medical care – orthopaedic, mental health, gastro. I've got five different consultants for different parts of my body, and she'll speak to them all, which I just couldn't do.  

“She'll liaise with the council about my housing problems, because I've had adaptations to the bungalow that have been a total failure.  

“She helps with isolation because we have a Teams talk most weeks - an hour of talking to her about issues that need looking at, but also the openness, friendliness, cajoling, and banter. Not to be dramatic, but she’s a life saver. 

“I've dealt with all the military charities, for various reasons. And there's not the infrastructure or the care that Help for Heroes provides within any other organisation. 

“If only they could clone Helen; she's a shining example of what Help for Heroes has done for me for the last 12 years.” 

Don’t be too proud to ask for help 

“My message to anyone else out there struggling is: ‘don’t be too proud to ask for help’. It didn't come easily for me to ask - and it still doesn't, but the help is there if you just reach out.  

“If sharing my story can help just one other person, then it's been worth it.”