Appeal to send Christmas messages to veterans

People are being asked to send messages of support this Christmas to struggling veterans.

Last year, thousands of messages of hope were sent to isolated veterans as part of a campaign by Armed Forces' charity Help for Heroes.

The charity said it was a powerful reminder of their service and it encouraged veterans to reach out for support.

David Morris, 45, from Ruskington in Lincolnshire, who served in the RAF for 22 years, said: “Christmas can become a time filled with dread rather than a celebration and it is important veterans are not forgotten, particularly at this time, between Remembrance and the new year.”

Mr Morris, who had a non-flying role with the Red Arrows when he was diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder in 2011, said the effect of the illness meant he was “scared of his own shadow” and “didn’t even want to leave the house”.

He added: “During military service, men and women have a strong support network and a close-knit community, but transitioning to civilian life can destroy that.

“Sending a message of hope at Christmas also helps highlight ongoing issues, such as veterans’ mental health, homelessness and access to resources, which are critical to address.

“I know from last year that receiving messages from Help for Heroes supporters made a massive difference to some and showed there are people out there who care. It also encouraged veterans to come forward and get support. And that’s as important now as it ever was.”

Mr Morris has been supported by Help for Heroes since 2017, when he competed in Sydney’s Invictus Games. He was then vice-captain of Team UK for the delayed 2020 Games at The Hague in 2022.

The charity said it had seen requests for support surge by 54 per cent in 2024 and is looking to encourage more members of the public to reach even more veterans with their messages.

Anyone who wants to get involved can post a message on the online message wall, from where Christmas cards with messages of support were sent to more than 9,500 veterans last year, the charity said.

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