I have been in the regular army and am now a reservist, my husband was in the regular army since 1991 and only retired (from the army) in May of this year. Colin now works with DMWS as a welfare officer and I couldn’t be more proud of him. We are both very capable of understanding how important DMWS is as a service to their service users but Colin’s extremely vast and varied experiences throughout his long career have helped prepare him for this next chapter in his life. Empathetic, a good listener, non-judgemental, sympathetic, compassionate, reachable - that’s what I believe makes a good welfare officer in any walk of life but to be there for ex-service personnel and understand their needs, takes a special sort of person (with or without service experience themselves). DMWS provides this practical and emotional service which might just be the difference in a service user’s (and their loved ones’) quality of life after being hospitalised. Colin’s aim at the beginning of this new chapter was to use his personal and life skills to make a difference to others and so I can only hope that I can help in a small way by giving through the kindness and generosity of donations or even a share from anyone who wishes to support this extremely worthwhile charity.

Unfortunately the run I was meant to be taking part in at Raughton Head had to be cancelled so after some conversation with Colin and my sister and brother-in-law we have decided that I will now run 80km of the Leeds-Liverpool canal route on 9th September. My lovely brother-in-law - Adam (who is also ex forces) has agreed to dip in and out at different stages along the route to join me running and my fabulously amazing sister - Donna, awesome niece - Brodie and my superstar son - Dexter are also planning to cycle alongside me (running) for the last few miles where I will hopefully be greeted at the finish point by my Mum (Dad will probably be dog-sitting!) and Colin.

A bit about DMWS from themselves:

Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an independent charity providing medical welfare to those who have, and continue to, operate on the frontline. We believe everyone should have access to healthcare that works for them, especially those who have committed their lives to serving our communities.

Our goal is to remove the environmental, economic, and social obstacles that stand in the way of recovery, ensuring you can get back to normal life as quickly as possible. Providing support during patients' healthcare journey can contribute to a better health experience by helping them discharge from hospital faster, recover quicker, and reduce the likelihood of readmissions or need for onward referrals.

Our free service is for anyone who has committed their lives to serve their community and country, including Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans and their families, police officers, and other frontline services.

To continue our services we need your support.