In a world growing more uncertain, we rely on our Armed Forces more than ever – and that makes our duty to care for those who have served stronger than ever too.
This Armed Forces Week is a great opportunity to come together as a nation to celebrate and thank our serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Joining the military takes a remarkable level of commitment, courage, and self-sacrifice. By signing on the dotted line for King and country, you’re saying you’re willing to risk your safety to protect others.
Every member of our Armed Forces carries that responsibility, whether Regular, or Reservist; whatever their branch, regiment, rank, background or belief.
And every veteran has a story that speaks to bravery, service and pride. Their greatness was clear when they wore the uniform, and it remains clear in the challenges many face in civilian life – a transition that can be disorienting, isolating and marked by unseen wounds. Yet in their recovery journeys, we see another kind of bravery: quiet, determined, and deeply human.
Take Corie Mapp for example. He fulfilled a childhood dream when he joined the Household Cavalry regiment of the British Army. He couldn’t have been prouder when he became the first person from Barbados to take part in the Trooping of the Colour, or when he rode through the ceremonial gate of Buckingham Palace to escort the late Queen.
Corie loved the pride and pageantry, the honour of his regiment, and the camaraderie.
However, disaster struck in 2009 when, on a tour of duty of Afghanistan, his armoured vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He lost both legs instantly.
Back in hospital in the UK, Corie was struggling to come to terms with his life-changing injuries.
“One evening my daughters came to visit me and they hopped up on the bed, and were like, 'Oh, daddy, your legs are broken, but you're going to get some metal legs and you'll be fine.'
“That kick-started whatever engine is inside me. I had to live for my girls. I got up the next morning and sent for the physio."
From there Corie went on a journey that was nothing short of remarkable.
Help for Heroes provided sports recovery and paid for him to train with the GB sitting volleyball team. They also introduced him to bobsleigh and supported his training.
This led to Corie once again representing his country, in sitting volleyball and bobsleigh. As a Para Bobsleigh athlete, he’s taken part in World Cups and European Championships. He’s also competed in elite sport at the Warrior and Invictus Games.
“I've won the bobsleigh World Cup and have been ranked top three in the world since 2015. There's a lot of success that's happened because of what Help for Heroes did for me initially.”
With the right support veterans like Corie can achieve greatness again. In Corie’s case that was competing on the world stage in his chosen adaptive sports. For others it might be doing the school run, finding a fulfilling job, or being an active member of their family.
We all share a duty to help veterans and their families live well after service, so this Armed Forces Week (Monday, June 22 to Sunday, June 28) let’s stand with them and celebrate our military’s dedication, bravery and hard work.
There are simple ways you can show your support – whether that’s donating, fundraising in your own way, volunteering your time, or simply taking a moment to celebrate our Forces and the lives shaped by service.
Visit helpforheroes.org.uk today, to find out how you can make a difference.
