‘I believe we always have that sense of service’

Sally Orange, 48, Major (Army Reserves), retired, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Since leaving the military three years ago, physiotherapist Sally has returned to the NHS to assist with the pandemic at a Nightingale facility and in the national vaccine rollout.

“As a veteran, I believe we always have that sense of service,” said Sally, who joined Royal Army Medical Corps in 1998 and served as a qualified physiotherapist throughout her 22-year career, playing a pivotal role in recovery and rehabilitation of many service personnel returning from conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Knowing there was a mass national effort to be able to combat the

virus through the vaccine rollout, I didn’t hesitate to get involved.

“A further

enefit of volunteering is it as really helped maintain my mental well-being as it prevents me from being isolated.”

Sally trained in giving people their jabs and administrative duties involved on the rollout. Through her work at a Nightingale hospital, she has seen first-hand the devastation and grief COVID-19 has caused.

“If you are hesitant about getting the vaccine it is still worth going to your local vaccine walk-in centre, where everything will be explained to you.

“You will be able to ask any questions and be given answers in a language you understand rather than lots of medical jargon,” assured the National Ambassador for the Army Cadet Force.

Well known for her endurance challenges, including running 70 marathons across the world, dressed as pieces of fruit, Sally has raised more than £500,000.