What will be be doing and why?
We will be walking from Tottenham Hale on the banks of The River Lea to Stepney on July 8th.
The Geezers club have previously raised funds for The Alzheimer’s society and Headway, the brain injury charity.
We choose causes that are close to us and with ex-servicemen in our ranks Vets Aid was an obvious choice.
It can be hard and stressful when you are out of the family that was your life in the armed forces to a very different way of living.
Here are a few stories that show the ways your donation could be used.
And this is why we are raising money for them.
The Rough Sleeper
‘I was in a dire state. My shoes were falling to pieces and I was stinking. I was cold and very depressed.’
Before arriving at Veterans Aid this distressed Royal Navy veteran had been sleeping rough on the streets of London – a city he didn’t know and had never lived in. The charity’s first action was to give him new clothes and a warm meal. He was then provided with temporary accommodation while a longer-term support plan was developed.
‘Veterans Aid treated me decently and courteously; asked about my general situation, but didn’t probe. I had a really serious accommodation problem and they helped tremendously.’
The Single Mum
This Army veteran ended her service with an exemplary conduct record, a BA degree and a work ethic honed in extremely challenging environments.
After returning to civilian life, she quickly found employment and continued to study. She was upbeat and on track – until her plans were completely derailed by an unexpected change of circumstance.
Her relationship hit the rocks and quickly unravelled. She knew that moving out of their shared home was the only option for her and her coming baby. Suddenly she was seven months pregnant and facing homelessness.
‘I was just so confused and didn’t know what to do. Agencies wanted me to show that I had £25,000 in my bank. To afford that while I was on maternity leave was impossible. Veterans Aid helped me in terms of a deposit and start-up; they even went with me to see places. With their help I managed to find somewhere.’
With a safe place to live, she was able to focus on her baby and when her child was 17-months-old, she went back to work. Veterans Aid staff also helped with her job search and kept in touch after she found employment.
‘It was a massive blow. I didn’t know it could happen in that way – but this can happen to anybody. For me Veterans Aid was there… and I don’t take their help for granted.’
The Drug Addict
This veteran was medically discharged from the Army, after which he veered off onto a path of drug use and addiction. Luckily, he has found his way to Veterans Aid and the charity helped him to rebuild his life.
‘I was one of those addicts who couldn’t get 12 hours clean and I was asleep for 8 of them. So, the fact that I’ve achieved 8 months clean – I would never have done that without Veterans Aid. My life since I first met them is like a complete 180-degree turn.’
Today, with the charity’s help, he is working and living independently in his own flat. After completing rehabilitation, he showed an aptitude for helping others, and now regularly attends meetings to provide guidance to those who are still recovering. His newfound sobriety means that he has also been able to re-establish contact with his family and children.
‘The bonds that I’ve rebuilt with my family through getting clean, through the help of Veterans Aid is absolutely priceless.’
The Alcoholic
This veteran developed alcohol dependency after being medically discharged from the Army. Eventually he became homeless but with the charity’s help he got back on his feet and turned his life around.
He went through detox and rehab and has been sober for nearly three years. He is now living independently in his own flat, sourced and furnished through Veterans Aid.
‘Veterans Aid goes above and beyond… I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me. Veterans Aid changed my life… all the staff are brilliant… like another family.’
Thank you for your donation and we would love to see you on the walk if you want to join us.
Please share the details with friends and family.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.