VC to the rescue

Ex-Devons and Dorsets combat medic Matthew Southwould has had a very tough time over the last few years.

After being forced to leave the Army in the late 90's, Matthew's health began to deteriorate as a result of injuries sustained during his time in the D+D's. After several operations and many painful years the decision was taken to amputate Matthew's right leg. After the operation Matthew developed Septicemia which kept him in hospital for many weeks. Eventually Matthew returned to his Plymouth home to face a battle to regain fitness and move on with his life.

Recently Matthew was invited by the Pilgrimbandits Charity to do a tandem skydive in Dubai, a first for Matthew. Being a naturally adventurous person, Matthew was very keen to go but his wheelchair, which was given to him by a friend, was in a very poor state and not safe for him to use indoors, let alone out in Dubai. Matthew expressed his concern and was recommended to contact The Veterans Charity.

Matthew made contact with us on Tuesday 24th January but, having been told by other organisations that it could be at least 3-6 months to get a replacement wheelchair, he was not expecting to find a replacement in time for his Dubai adventure which was just 7 days away. He explains "I thought I had left it too late to get a new chair but I thought I would ask and maybe I'd be able to get one for when I got back. I was really worried about my current chair as it is very unstable and not really safe to use. When I contacted The Veterans Charity they came back to me really quickly and asked for all my service information and lots of detail about my chair. I was delighted and amazed when they cam back to me within a few hours to say they could help me and could get not just a new chair, but one that would suit my needs and my lifestyle BEFORE I left for Dubai! I can't thank them enough."

We delivered the new chair to Matthew at home in Plymouth on Monday and it was a real privilege to be able to spend the afternoon with Matt and to see how much of a difference his new chair made to his independence, safety and happiness.

We wish Matthew and everyone on the Dubai trip 'blue skies and soft landings'.