BEFORE flying to Qatar for the World Cup, an England football manager met with veterans who’ve been supported by Help for Heroes to pledge his support to the military charity.  

Army veteran Paul Colling, from Fleet, has shared his story on adjusting from life in the military following the announcement of Help for Heroes’ new patron Gareth Southgate.

Mr Colling was delighted with the new signing of the England manager who is keen to help the armed forces community live well after they finish their service.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Paul, 37, lost the life and the job he loved after a traumatic leg injury left him in near-constant pain. The former Corporal in the Royal Signals, who is originally from Redcar, was medically discharged after serving 16 years and says that the charity is one of the main reasons he’s still here today. 

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The former military man has since become a charity ambassador and volunteer, raising awareness of the continuing need for veterans’ support. 

The Help for Heroes ambassador said: “It was so nice to meet Gareth. He will really understand how soldiers feel when they suffer life-changing injuries with all his football experience. Military careers can end overnight just like those of footballers.”

Mr Southgate met with veterans who’ve been supported by the charity before he flew to Qatar with his World Cup squad. The organisation has been assisting members of the Armed Forces community for 15 years, helping more than 27,000 veterans and their families.

The famous football figure’s passion for the charity stems from his own grandfather serving in the armed forces.

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Speaking on his new role, Gareth said: “My sense of identity and values is closely tied to my family and particularly my grandad. He was a fierce patriot and a proud military man, who served during World War II. Because of him, I’ve always had an affinity for the military and service in the name of your country.  

Basingstoke Gazette:

“Both footballers and service personnel can find their careers cut short due to injury, a prospect which can affect them not only physically but and mentally too. The inability to function or perform in the same way after injury can often cause significant mental challenges, loss of identity and impact their prospects."

Help for Heroes’ interim CEO, James Needham, said: “To have such a high-profile figure as Gareth Southgate supporting Help for Heroes is fantastic. It will help us to raise the profile of the work we do right across the charity - from our mental health and physical support to tackling isolation and championing our community’s welfare needs.”  

The charity aims to help ex-military personnel re-find their purpose, supporting veterans in finding work, a home and a place in society. Help for Heroes' office is based in Parkers Close in Salisbury.

For more go to helpforheroes.org.uk/.