Injured army vet tells how he was helped

An army veteran who suffered post traumatic stress disorder has visited primary school pupils who have been raising money for Help For Heroes.

Gareth Pears, from Aylesham, was injured in Iraq in 2004 after his armoured vehicle was hit with rocket-propelled grenades.

The 32-year-old, who served with the 1st Battalion PWRR, said: “I suffered hearing and rib damage and left the army in 2005. I became very reliant on alcohol.

“In 2014 I was diagnosed with PTSD and attended a treatment programme with charity Combat Stress. Help for Heroes became involved and helped me.”

Gareth visited St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Aylesham, which his two children attend, to talk to the school about his experiences and the charity. The school also presented a cheque for almost £430 to Help for Heroes regional organiser James Burns.