Supporting our soldiers
Help for Heroes is on hand to support wounded veterans and their families
It takes strength to serve in the Armed Forces, it takes a different kind of strength to live life beyond injury. No one appreciates this more than Bruce, a double amputee who has endured much mental and physical pain. With the support of his wife Louise and Help for Heroes, he now has a new lease of life. His inspiring story highlights what we can achieve working together to help our wounded veterans. “There are times when you’re with your brothers in arms, in the thick of an operation, and there’s no place you’d rather be,” says Bruce, who served in the British Army for 16 years. He lost that sense of camaraderie when he developed plantar fasciitis, an agonising foot condition that saw him turn to painkillers and alcohol. He put on weight and battled depression before the pain became so intense he had to take the agonising decision to have both of his legs amputated.
“In a way, accepting my military career was over was a relief.
With my prosthetics,
I could finally walk again, pain-free,” he says. “Help for Heroes helped me to discover wheelchair rugby. It gives me direction, and I love being part of a team again. I even had trials for the 2020 Invictus Games.”
Nick, a Help for Heroes activity and wellbeing regional lead, feels Bruce is a great example of the many benefits sport brings. “It makes me so proud that he doesn’t let his injuries stop him living life,” says Nick, whose role involves helping veterans to find local, inclusive sports clubs.
“He’s so passionate about sport. To see how it helps him mentally and physically reminds me of why I love working at Help for Heroes. We know Bruce may face complications in the future, and we will be there to support him and his family wherever they need us.” Help for Heroes prides itself on helping people like Bruce to overcome their daily battles and thrive. This involves supporting family members, too, like Louise, his wife and carer, who has had her own struggles to cope with. “Bruce wanted his life back,” she says. “Our journey isn’t over, and there are things we’ll need to think about as he gets older, but his determination and Help for Heroes’ ongoing support will help us through.”
Give strength to those who gave for us. To find out more, visit helpforheroes.org.uk/bruce