Charity raises over £50,000 to help veteran live his best life

23 December 2022

Simon Ransom, from Taunton, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2021 and was given a life expectancy of one to three years.

He had served 24 years in the Rifles infantry regiment and went on to be a Training Sergeant in the Cadet Force and then a reservist in the Army Air Corps. His wife, Tilly, reached out to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity after the devastating diagnosis and they were supported from that moment on.

Tilly said: “It was an awful time. We were just in shock. I tried another charity but all they said was they needed to ‘manage my expectations’. Then a friend said I should contact SSAFA. I did, and Mel, our caseworker, came to see us, was really understanding and kind, and has helped us ever since. ”

SSAFA not only provides emotional support, but their caseworkers also help clients to apply for financial assistance from SSAFA and other charities as well. Through SSAFA the Ransom’s received more than £50,000 to adapt their house to Simon’s new needs and buy a motorised wheelchair to ensure he can still get around.

Simon said: “To start with I was a bit proud to ask for help, but I wanted caring for me to be as easy as possible for Tilly, so the house needed modifying and we needed financial help to do that.”

Tilly and Simon had approached their local authority for assistance but were told that the process would take months – which meant that the help might come too late.

Mel, the couple’s SSAFA caseworker said: “Despite Simon's diagnosis of MND and his fast physical deterioration, he and Tilly have shown remarkable courage and determination to get the most out of the life he has left. The military charities responded quickly and generously to the request for funds to provide Simon with a living space and equipment that met his needs. Blesma and The Rifles were also enormously supportive to the family personally. It has been a good example of how the military charities can come together to support a family in crisis.”

SSAFA helps serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Simon and Tilly spent 24 years moving house every two years with the Army. Tilly has followed her husband to Colchester, Cyprus, Winchester, Sheffield, Taunton, Warminster and Germany. Their oldest son grew up in 15 different houses.

Tilly said: “Army life isn’t for everyone. It is sometimes hard, but the Regiment becomes your family. I am so grateful to The Rifles, the Army Air Corps and Blesma, and to SSAFA for all the help they have given us when we needed it.

“I would recommend anyone military to go to SSAFA for assistance if they need help; the understanding and compassion was there right from the start. We really can't thank Mel enough she has been amazing.”