'I had six suicide bombers in one day. Which definitely triggered me. That's why I had to get some help.
Joining the vaunted Parachute Regiment in 1992, ‘Willie’ embodies the ethos of the Parachute Regiment: bravery founded upon determination, endurance, and selflessness.
Serving in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Belize, Canada, India and Portugal, the list of injuries he has accrued in the service of our country is a timeline of his service and a testament to the sacrifices our service members make.
Complex PTSD, a broken back, a ‘knackered’ left knee and a left foot broken ‘so many times’ it simply ‘doesn’t work anymore’. It's hard to believe after hearing Willie's story that any part of him would be allowed to give up on its own volition.
A typical veteran: in one sentence, he displays the bravery, stoicism and humour so associated with the British Armed Forces.
‘I got blown up three times in one day, that’s surreal. But sitting on the beach in the Falkland Islands and having penguins come up to you? That's quite surreal as well. It's a cool experience. It's better than someone shooting at you or trying to blow you up’.
Most veterans agree that it isn’t the physical or mental injuries that are the most challenging post-service, but the transition to ‘Civvy Street’. Supporting Wounded Veterans provides essential support to injured veterans. Support, which is sometimes overstretched, underfunded or simply non-existent. When Willie found himself in that exact situation, it was SWV who stepped in.
‘Nothing was available for me for a year after I left the military, so SWV sorted out some mental health support for me’.
A ‘ski trip veteran’ and now a mentor in SWV’s mentoring program, Willie understands the problems veterans face and has an in-depth view of the precious and life-changing support SWV provides.
‘SWV are different because they tell you from day one, they're here to help, then wait for you to open up like a flower’.
In the words of Henley, Willie's is ‘bloody, but unbowed’. He exudes not only resilience but tenacity and wisdom. When asked about ‘What advice he would give veterans in his position’, he gives an answer balanced with the hard edge of a long military career and the wisdom of reflection on his journey as a veteran:
‘If you want your situation to change, you need to help yourself. And by asking for help, all you've got to do is click a button. No one will judge you ’.
Article written by Christopher Hayes, 2024 Skihabilitation Veteran, who has begun working in Journalism.