Leicestershire Veteran’s Plea for Message of Hope
An RAF veteran from Leicestershire is asking local people to send a message of hope to our veterans this Christmas, to show again that they value our service men and women.
Last December, thousands of messages of support for veterans were posted online on the Help for Heroes Message Wall and the Charity is hoping that people from Leicestershire will respond again.
Rachel Williamson, aged 36 years and from Loughborough, served for 10 ½ years and said: “Veterans can sometimes feel they are forgotten by society. And if they’re living with physical injuries, disabilities or mental illness they can become isolated – and especially at Christmas, their mental health can spiral down even further.
“The messages left by members of the public last year were so heart-warming. It would be great if we could get as many messages of hope as possible from people across Leicestershire, which will show all our veterans that their service hasn’t been forgotten. Leaving a message is easy to do and there’s no cost involved.”
Rachel was a medic and was selected to play rugby for the RAF. Rachel loved her role, but unfortunately, she was injured during a rugby game, which led to her being medically discharged.
Rachel said: “When I was medically discharged, I felt alone and that no one understood how it felt to have my career and passion taken from me. It’s taken years for me to accept what happened – and there are so many other veterans in the same position. We are left on our own to battle with the loss of a lifelong career, our identity and purpose.
“When I got a Christmas card last year from the Charity, which included a message from the Message Wall, I felt a sense of belonging and the positive message has kept me motivated to carry on. I messaged my friends, and we shared the messages we received in our cards. It brought us together, knowing that the cards were being sent out and how powerful a message sent to one person can be passed on to each other.”
The Office for Veterans Affairs and Family Survey, published in June this year, shows that nearly one in three veterans who live in the UK experience loneliness1. Last winter, requests for support to Help for Heroes were 25 per cent above average2.
The Charity is aiming to send over 10,000 Christmas cards to veterans again this year, which will include messages of support from members of the public.
Rachel added: “A few heartfelt words can remind someone they’re seen, valued, and appreciated. It could be the first step towards them reaching out for life-changing support, and to starting a new chapter in their lives.
“Because no one who served their country should feel alone, forgotten, or left behind this Christmas. Together, we can help them continue their story – and make sure their next chapter is filled with hope, purpose, and belonging.”
Latest data shows that there are more than 24,400 veterans living in Leicestershire. If you would like to add your own message of support to the Help for Heroes Message Wall, or make a donation, then go to https://sendamessage.helpforheroes.org.uk/
