Service is force to be reckoned with
EX-PARA Anthony Young had given years of service to his country - but found himself destitute and living in woodland within months.
Having worked all his life, a sudden heart attack and stroke affected his speech and use of his left arm leaving him, he says, feeling worthless. But one year on, the 55-year-old veteran has a roof over his head and a canine companion thanks to the intervention of the Wigan Borough Armed Forces Community HQ.
The service has helped more than 200 former members of the armed forces - including Anthony - to integrate back into civilian life by offering housing advice and financial guidance.
It celebrated its one-year anniversary yesterday.
Anthony said: “I was going through a really bad time following a heart attack and stroke. I had worked all my life, been active and never asked anyone for anything. Following a stroke which affected my speech and use of my left arm, for me my life was over. I ended up homeless, living in a wood and had basically given up all together.”
Having found him in hospital, staff from the HQ helped furnish Anthony’s new home and even bought him a dog, which has gone on to become a ‘great companion’.
Anthony added: “The support I received has literally saved my life and I will be eternally grateful.
Funding for the HQ came from Wigan council, the Ministry of Defence and Wigan Sea Cadets.
The building in Wigan, Molyneux House, is named in honour of local serviceman Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, who was killed aboard his submarine in 2011.