Philip giving veterans a breather in beauty spot
THE MEMORY of seeing his father struggle with injuries suffered in the First World War remains vivid with Philip Heard.
So when he had the idea of helping modern-day veterans, the 84-year-old wasted no time in putting his plan into action.
The former farmer lives in picturesque Glenbarr, near Tarbert, Argyll, and when land became available next to his house, he snapped it up and built a holiday home for ex-service personnel to enjoy a well-earned break.
Working in conjunction with Help for Heroes, kind-hearted Philip’s offer has been taken up by veterans from around the UK.
In many cases it is their first holiday in years and the only charge is a £25-per-week cleaning fee.
Philip explained: “My father, William, was mentioned in dispatches and was awarded a Military Medal. But he was also seriously disabled from his time in the forces.
“He suffered frostbite and lost all of his toes, which left him with no balance.
“He always had to hold on to things to get around. He also suffered a badly damaged left lung and left arm.
“Life was hard for us as we grew up and money was scarce, but I was lucky with my business so I thought I would do something to help others.”
Philip built the house two years ago and registered his venture as a charity, Island View Forces Respite Association.
Since then around 80 veterans have enjoyed the stunning views of the Western Isles and Ireland.
Originally from Devon, Philip has lived in Scotland for 30 years. Generations of his family bred Highland cattle and they moved from Falkirk nearly 200 years ago to Exmoor.
Before his farming career, Philip also served in the military.
He was in the Grenadier Guards for nine years from 1950. “I was at the Suez Canal in Egypt and I also trained the new recruits,” Philip explained.
“I enjoy talking to the men when they come here and I can see the difference it makes to people.
“I had a couple here with their two kids. The woman told me her husband hadn’t been able to connect with the children since leaving the Army.
“When the kids put their arms around my sheepdog, I said to him to take a picture.
“The next morning he took them down to the beach to play for the first time in a long while.
“Sometimes a small gesture is all that’s needed to make a breakthrough.”
One of the next visitors is Robert Stoddart, formerly of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, his wife Ann and their three children.
The 39-year-old from Stenhousemuir said: “We’re really looking forward to an amazing holiday as we went through a lot in 2016.
“I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD and my wife has also been unwell.
“Our kids are over the moon because they’ve only been on holiday once before.”
Serving members of the British Armed Forces, veterans and their families are eligible to use the accommodation but must provide proof of their service record when booking. Email bandofbrothers@ helpforheroes.org.uk