"They saved me" how the Royal British Legion have helped the real-life heroes here in the West Midlands
Today (11th) is Remembrance Day
Last updated 11th Nov 2022
Every year the country comes together for Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day.
We've been finding out more about the help The Royal British Legion provide to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
They raise millions of pounds through the selling of their poppies and have been the lifeline for thousands of people, including West Midland veterans Terry and Clive.
Terry's story
Terry Barnett, from Solihull, previously served in the Army within the Royal Corps of Signals for almost five years, leaving service in 1992.
He then went onto have a successful career in telecommunications for 17 years. However, after Terry became redundant, his dependence on alcohol began to grow.
It was in 2019 that he decided it was time to reach out for help and contacted the Royal British Legion, setting him on a path to recovery.
"I lost my job, my family, my wife, my children, my car. But in the background the Royal British Legion were doing their thing to help me," he said.
The charity brought him a new fridge, provided him with food vouchers, and introduced him to a welfare advisor who helped him with his debt. Their educational fund also meant he could undergo a course in counselling, which has allowed him to help others who are struggling.
Terry now works for Solihull addiction services where he himself received treatment. He urges any veterans struggling, to reach out to the charity.
Clive's story
Clive Jones, from Shropshire, is a former Welsh Guardsmen, having served 12 years in the Army.
Having joined the army at the age of 16, Clive fulfilled his childhood dream of being a soldier after being part of the Army cadets from the age of 13.
On his 26th birthday, Clive’s world changed forever, he was a victim of an unprovoked assault which left him in a coma and resulted in him becoming blind.
The Royal British Legion introduced Clive to their Battle Back Centre, which helps injured and wounded members of the Armed Forces. Here, Clive took up archery.
"Not only the loss of my eyesight, but the loss of my job and the security of my family as well. The Battle Back I owe a massive thank you too. They were the ones who got me to see myself again," he said.
Clive is now involved in the Great Britain blind archery team and has recently taken part in the Para-European Championships in Rome.
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