WAR VETERANS BACK IN TUNE
Music charity helping ex-military beat PTSD get £10k to repair damage done by heartless vandals
TRAUMATISED war heroes have secured a £10,000 lifeline after knife-wielding thugs ran amok at their lifesaving project. Vandals trashed the workshop used by the ex-forces personnel, causing thousands of pounds of damage. The RE-Tune project – which uses woodwork and music as therapy for ex-squaddies with posttraumatic stress disorder – faced closure after the rampage in August. But now it’s been saved, thanks to a £10,000 Big Lottery cash boost. The cash will pay rent, replace the wrecked machinery and allow more former squaddies to take part.
Founder David McHarg said: “It’s great to get this cash. At the time of the vandalism, I did think: ‘Should I carry on?’
“Now, we have some light at the end of the tunnel.”
The six thugs who attacked the project, in Glasgow’s East End, also threatened a female witness with a knife.
They smashed windows, wrecked tools, daubed pain on walls and trashed musical instruments the ex-forces personnel were making.
David, 47, of the city’s Dennistoun, started the project after working with social work for 22 years.
He said: “We can now think about expanding and having a recruitment drive. The cash is much appreciated and gives us some much needed breathing space.” ● TO donate to the project, email theretuneproject@ gmail.com.
DAVID McHARG