Mel puts back into aiding Forces

TV presenter and model Melanie Sykes is spearheading a campaign to encourage military veterans to stop suffering in silence.

Mel, 46, is joined by fellow presenter Jenni Falconer, 40, and former world boxing champion Nigel Benn, 52, to declare war on the “stiff upper lip” attitude of former military personnel.

The trio all sported a “Got Your Back” tattoo – the slogan of the campaign by the oldest Armed Forces charity, SSAFA.

It commissioned a poll which found that fewer than one per cent of current or former personnel would seek charity help if they found themselves in need.

Six in 10 felt they should look after themselves and a further one in three said seeking help was not in his or her character.

And 40 per cent would only ever ask for support if their lives were at risk.

At the campaign launch yesterday, Melanie said: “I was shocked to learn that so many of our soldiers and veterans would rather suffer in silence than come forward to ask for help when they are experiencing financial hardships or welfare issues.

“I’m honoured to be a part of SSAFA’s #GotYourBack campaign, letting our brave military community know that asking for support is not a weakness and that help is always at hand for them when they need it.”

Nigel Benn, who spent four years in the Army before following his boxing dream, said: “Having served, I’ve seen first-hand the problems some people face when they leave the Forces and have to go it alone. It’s a really difficult situation to be in.

“You might be struggling but it’s so hard to hold your hand up and ask for help, especially when you have been trained to get on with the job.”

Melanie added: “The Armed Forces have had our backs, so now it’s time for us to have theirs.”