L I V E 2 4 -SE V EN
side of Lee Rigby House, have you found your work with service personnel and their families has helped you with your own healing process? Yes I am involved in all aspects of running the charity and the operation of Lee Rigby House. I take the bookings, clean the house and do the meet and greet. I am there if people want to talk. I don't impose myself on anyone, but many people do want to talk to me. The understanding and empathy runs both ways and whilst I am there to help those that are suffering from trauma or loss or both, the understanding and respect afforded me by return has given me purpose and some healing. In fact I have had so much support and positive feedback that it gives me strength to carry on when I have my bad days.
You use your own tragic loss and experience to help raise awareness of the plight many families face, the strength you show is incredible, where do you draw from to continue doing what you do? I realised early on that I have to carry on for my family, those that love me and now those that need me! I have plans too to create more accommodation so that I can help more ex-servicemen and women and their families. I also have a 'blue sky' plan that we are launching at the House of Commons on September 11th and that is to roll out Lee Rigby Centres around the country. The problem is enormous – so
many ex service personnel need help – you only have to look at the statistics of those suffering from PTSD, or the number of servicemen who are homeless, the problem is not going to go away. It's immensely sad and worrying.
You’re now fundraising for the Veterans Annexe – share with us your plans for that? My next project is also ambitious, it's the conversion of a Grade 11 listed building for Veterans and will comprise four bedsits, four individual rooms, a communal sitting room, a communal kitchen and there will be a covered outdoor activity area to include a gym, an art room and hydro therapy pool.
As mentioned, we will be launching the campaign to fund raise at the House of Commons on September 11th. Being a small charity, we rely on donations and building costs are high. It is going to cost at least £500,000 to build the Veterans' Annexe, so I have got my work cut out for me!
What has the feedback from families been like who have benefitted from the support of Lee Rigby House? The feedback to Lee Rigby House is fantastic. Lee Rigby House is in the middle of a country retreat in Staffordshire. It is an absolutely idyllic environment. For many it is the first time families have been able to get away together and begin to rebuild their lives. Many people who have stayed say that it is the peacefulness of the place that seems to heal them. Others have said it has been the first time they have had a good night’s sleep. Some say simply removing themselves from the home environment and being a family again helps. I am just so glad that it's doing good.
How can people help fundraise? We are grateful to anyone who is willing to organise an event for us such as a coffee morning, breakfast club or indeed any event of their choice. Just contact us on Facebook. Alternatively, they can do so by going to the
https://www.facebook.com/theleerigbyfoundation page and on the right hand side there is a button to make a donation.
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