As part of Saints Community Development Foundation's work with local veterans, a former Special Forces soldier has had his life changed after The Veterans of the Foundation transformed his home.
Saints Community Development Foundation launched a programme dedicated a support group for local veterans and servicemen or women back in 2018.
Danny, a former “Para”, was living in a run-down house before The Veterans of The Foundation kindly stepped in to help move him to a new, habitable flat. Once the new flat was secured the Veterans of the Foundation helped renovate it into a transformed liveable home with new furniture, decorations and newly painted walls.
Danny suffered life-changing injuries in Iraq whilst serving his country following an LED explosion. As a result of the accident, Danny also lost some very close friends and comrades. To this day Danny still has shrapnel in his body and is suffering with PTSD.
Danny has been with The Veterans of The Foundation for about 10 months and was overwhelmed by Saints in the Community’s work: “My accommodation was in a really poor state and was really getting me down. I spoke with the Veterans at the Breakfast Club and it snowballed from there. I cannot believe how they rallied around me and nothing was too much trouble.
“Thank you so much to everybody in The Veterans of The Foundation for all that they have done for me over the past couple of days. The flat is even better than my old flat I had in Germany! You have helped me move my life forward again, you have given me a home. Thank you.”
Sharon Fullerton, Veterans of The Foundations Client Care Manager said: “It took Gary Doyle and myself three days to strip, paint and decorate the flat. We had a really small budget, so we went to Willowbrook, B&M and JW Carpets and flooring in Haydock and bartered to get things as cheap as possible. On day four the carpets and lino were fitted and on day five we moved all the furniture in and took him to it. He was so overwhelmed. I am so proud to do this for a serviceman in need.”
Steve Leonard, Saints Community Development Foundation’s Director said: “The Veterans of the Foundation was set up for this exact reason. Helping the people of our own community when they need us most. It’s all well and good sitting having a butty at our Breakfast club talking through old times, but when someone speaks out, it’s time to roll up your sleeves.
“I am glad to say that within this group we have a nucleus of people who will do just that. This time it was Sharon and Gary, but next time it may well be two other volunteers who take the time to help out another veteran. We have lots of other work that we will be announcing very soon so look out for more insights into what the Veterans of the Foundation are all about and the part they play within the Foundation itself.”
Before and After......
