Veteran is determined to do more for survivors

Veteran is determined to do more for survivors

4 October 2017

A UK charity which has its headquarters near Clough is aiming to expand its operation into Europe and the United States.

Let’s Do Veterans Support and Rehabilitation focuses on helping veterans with physical disabilities, with the main scope of the charity’s work helping individuals come to terms with injuries and disabilities such as amputees, those with limited vision or partial paralysis, through outdoor activities.

Robert Maxwell, who is the charity’s secretary and the only surviving member of the trio who set  up the organisation, explained the main aim is to support disabled veterans on their road to recovery by creating events that will help to encourage them to become involved and grow confidence, whilst becoming comfortable with their disabilities. 

He said a main aim of the charity is to create events which encourage others to get involved, generating an enjoyable experience that will inspire all that attend.

“I have six people who help me run the charity and we also have four volunteers who help organise events we take our members to. They come from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland and we are currently in talks with people in Europe and America to expand our operation,” continued Robert.

“Last weekend, we took a number of veterans to the Norton motorcycle factory in Donnington which is manufacturing a new road version of the TT racing machine. I have close links with the company and was delighted it was able to facilitate the trip.”

Robert, who is a former member of the Royal Irish Regiment and himself disabled, not as the result of conflict but a road accident, explained the charity was launched four years ago with Let’s Do set up to cater for all veterans of all religions and none. “We are to help people overcome a range of disability, ranging from the trauma of amputation to alcohol addiction and post traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD) We are here to help and I would appeal to any veterans who are out there not to suffer in silence and come along and get involved in what we do,” he continued.

“Last June we organised a very successful trip to the Isle of Man TT and the veterans who have been away with us say the experience has been very beneficial. The talks with people in Europe and America is part of our strategy to develop international links as there are veterans the world over.”

Let’s Do, which has its own range of merchandise and hopes to have a stand at next year’s Festival of Flight in Newcastle to help raise its profile locally, is also looking for sponsors to assist with its work.

Currently, Robert is working on the development of a fishing lake at Drumcaw as part of developing a rural and countryside skills set, explaining fishing is a recognised form of rehabilitation for people suffering from a range of physical and mental issues.

“We hope the development of new fishing stands at Drumcaw will be of particular benefit to those suffering from PTSD and teach them new countryside and conservation skills. We help veterans with a range of disabilities and while the work can be challenging, it is very rewarding,” he continued.

As the charity looks to increase its role and build links into Europe and the United States, Let’s Do hopes more local veterans who may not have heard about the charity will come forward.

Robert added: “We would love more people to get involved. The feedback we have received from previous trips we have arranged has been overwhelmingly positive. We are a registered charity and want to help more people as doing so is very rewarding. We are doing work no other organisation is doing and hope that we will be able to secure agreement with a high profile celebrity to become the charity’s new patron.”

For more information about the charity visit www.letsdoevents.info or visit the charity’s Facebook Page.