Ex-soldier’s praise for Lakes trip
INJURED FORMER TANK TRANSPORTER DRIVER SAYS HELP THE HEROES OUTING A BIG HELP WITH RECOVERY
A former soldier from Sunderland has been hitting new heights, thanks to Help for Heroes.
Scott Geering was among a groupofwoundedveteranswho took part in a series of outdoor activities,fundedbythecharity.
For the past two years, different beneficiaries from Help for Heroes’ Northern Recovery Centre –Phoenix House, in Catterick – have enjoyed a residentialtriptotheCalvertTrust outdoor activities centre in the Lake District.
Thevisitsformpartofaprogramme designed by Phoenix House to boost the confidence of injured former service personnel by encouraging them to try new activities.
Scott was a tank transporter driver with the Royal Logistics Corps whose career ended abruptlywhenhewasleftwith a brain injury following a road traffic accident.
The 38-year-old is paralysed down one side of his body but is determined to live as independently as possible and said his trip to the Calvert Trust just before Easter really hwelped.
“Ilovedit,Ilikedeverything I did,” said Scott, who lives in the east end of Sunderland.
“Itputmymindatrest,ena- bled me to let my hair down, be myself and chill.
“The staff were kind, courteous and helpful and I can’t wait to go back.”
So far, more than 50 Help for Heroes beneficiaries have spent four days on the edge of Bassenthwaite, enjoying challenging outdoor activities, including sailing, canoeing, climbing and hill walking, in a specialised environment that can cater for significant injuries and disabilities.
If you want to support Help for Heroes, either by fundraisingorvolunteering,orifyouare a wounded, sick or injured veteran who needs support, find outmorebyvisitingwww.helpforheroes.org.uk.