Jack served for six years but was medically discharged when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Estranged from his family and homeless, his future looked bleak. Our partner charity, Our Wilton, helped Jack with housing and The Alabaré Veterans Self Build Scheme opened up employment opportunities. We also supported Jack with funding, and now he has his own flat and a job.  

Originally from East Anglia, Jack joined the Army in 2016, aged 16, and served with the Grenadier Guards. After a year at the Army Apprenticeship College, Harrogate followed by infantry training at Catterick, Jack was posted to Wellington Barracks, London, undertaking ceremonial duties. Jack says: “A highlight was my first Trooping of the Colour. As soon as I marched through the forecourt of Buckingham Palace my hair stuck up at the back of my neck. It’s a moment to remember.”  

 As he was about to undergo jungle training in Belize, Jack was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. He was medically discharged in 2022 after six years’ service. This news affected Jack badly as he was a keen soldier and wished to remain in the Army. 

 After leaving military service at short notice, Jack had nowhere to live and no job. Initially staying in a hotel, Jack attended a 6-week introduction to the construction industry and then moved into supported accommodation with Our Wilton, our partner charity. The Army Benevolent Fund provided Jack with a grant of £400 for essentials such as bills, food, and council tax.  

Jack was then selected to join the Alabaré Veterans’ Community one-year self-build programme where he gained building skills and qualified as a forklift driver. He was able to buy essential tools for his new trade with another grant from the Army Benevolent Fund.  

On completion of training, Jack qualified for a new flat with a mortgage. We helped Jack again, when electricity issues prevented him from enjoying Christmas in his new flat – helping cover his temporary housing costs and pay for essential furnishings, when Jack finally moved in.  

Jack now has a job he is enjoying with a local building firm, as part of their groundworks team – driving the dumper truck and building patios and roads. 

 Jack says: “If I hadn’t had the support of the Army Benevolent Fund over the last couple of years, I don’t know where I would be now. The charity has helped me so much – thank you. “