Steve served for 18 years in the Army, including overseas postings and operational tours, before leaving due to serious injury. In later life, he has faced significant physical and mental health challenges, including complex PTSD and loss of independence. Through support from the Army Benevolent Fund, both directly with funding for an electronically propelled vehicle and via its partner charity Hounds for Heroes, Steve has regained mobility, independence and vital day to day support through his assistance dogs.
Steve joined the Army in 1979 aged 17, at a time when job opportunities were limited. He had grown up around Army life as his father served in both the Royal Armoured Corps and the Army Air Corps (AAC), although Steve’s decision to enlist was his own. Fascinated by aviation, he joined the AAC, working in ground support roles including motor transport, aircraft refuelling and stores. He says he initially only planned to stay for a few years.
“The Army gave me a brilliant 18 years”, Steve says. He served both in the UK and overseas, including Germany, Canada, Norway and Hong Kong, also completing operational tours in Northern Ireland. Steve took part in demanding exercises in challenging environments, gaining a wide range of experience and being promoted to Corporal during his service.
Steve’s future in the Army became uncertain following a serious spinal injury, compounded by a road traffic accident. No longer able to continue in a frontline role, he was told he would not be able to return to full duties, and made the difficult decision to take voluntary redundancy.
Life after service was shaped by the physical and mental pain Steve was living with. “Outside I may appear calm”, he explains, “but honestly, inside it is a totally different situation.” Feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to manage his thoughts, he eventually sought help and contacted Combat Stress, which the ABF has funded for many years, recently giving £280,000. Through one-to-one support, Steve was referred to a psychologist and learned he was living with complex PTSD alongside his long-standing back injury. During a residential programme, a member of staff encouraged him to consider applying to Hounds for Heroes, a charity the ABF also helps fund.
“I didn’t realise that subconsciously leaving the Army before I wanted to had affected me”, Steve reflects. “It felt like rejection. I have flashbacks from my operational tours and face an internal battle in both mind and body when alone.”
A wheelchair user, Steve later visited Hounds for Heroes, where he was introduced to Sapper, a Labrador still in training. They bonded immediately, and Sapper eventually went home with Steve. “My life changed”, he says.
The ABF also supported Steve directly with a grant towards an electronically propelled vehicle, enabling him to exercise Sapper and regain the independence he had lost. “I had a wheelchair but couldn’t go out on my own. The scooter has given me independence and has changed my life.”
When Sapper later developed arthritis and could no longer assist him, Steve was introduced to Hercules, his new assistance dog from Hounds for Heroes. “It was the saddest day losing Sapper, but equally a happy day taking Hercules home”, Steve says. “He is my hero, my alarm, my routine, my distraction and, most importantly, my support. Without him, I honestly don’t believe I would be having this conversation with you.” Whether helping to pick up items he has dropped or supporting him when he feels overwhelmed, Hercules plays a vital role in Steve’s daily life.
The ABF continues to support Steve by funding Hercules’ aftercare programme, including veterinary costs, food and ongoing training to meet Steve’s changing mobility needs.
“My thanks to the ABF for your funding support for myself and Hercules,” Steve says. “Without Hercules I would not be here. He supports me with the simplest tasks, enabling me to lead my life positively. He is my lifeline, my life saver.”