Andy

No amount of military training could prepare Andy for his toughest battle: when he grew weary from the fight SSAFA stepped in.

At 17, Andy joined the army and married childhood sweetheart Linda.

For the next 27 years the couple weathered the ups and downs of military life, thriving on international postings and facing the fallout of wars.

A proud gunner retiring brought its challenges, but the couple dreamed of spending more time on Scottish soil, enjoying the outdoors and being closer to family.

Their dreams would never become a reality.

In 2022 Linda collapsed.

As Andy battled to save the love of his life she slipped into a coma. A stroke leaving her with extensive brain damage.

Every day he went to work to keep a roof over their heads and every night he maintained a vigil at Linda’s hospital bed. All whilst fighting to bring her home.

Imbued with military spirit Andy refused to accept Linda’s fate, teaching her to walk and communicate.

In the forces when times were tough, he’d had his unit, in life he’d always had Linda. Now in his darkest hour he was alone.

Exhausted and with his wages only stretching so far, Andy swallowed his pride and reached out to SSAFA.

SSAFA caseworker John saw beyond Andy’s tough military façade and recognised he needed practical and emotional help.

He was a confidante with whom Andy could share his fears for the future and relentlessness of caring.

John began working with Andy to achieve his goal of bringing Linda home.

He identified and arranged for SSAFA to pay for bespoke equipment to help Linda’s mobility.

Eventually through Andy’s enduring love and determination Linda was able to return home to the house she loves.

But John’s help didn’t end there, he arranged for SSAFA to pay for a respite break for the couple, where they could take time to come to terms with their new reality.

Linda and Andy are now settled into a routine, supported by carers.

Andy knows the road is long, but he knows SSAFA will always be by his side.

He would encourage others to reach out..

“Swallow your pride, everybody needs help, no matter who they are. Everybody needs help at some point in life, no matter how large or how small it is. I did and SSAFA jumped in and helped me.”

This year Andy completed the Kiltwalk in aid of SSAFA, coming first, ahead of 14,000 others and watched on by his biggest supporter Linda!

When Andy called for back-up SSAFA answered.

When he stumbled, we picked him up.

When he needed a friend, we were it.

Because no one should ever battle alone.