‘CAMARADERIE’ has inspired one veteran to overcome his own issues as he volunteers countless hours a week to support those struggling to adapt back to civilian life.
Andrew Fowler volunteers as a befriender for the military charity organisation SSAFE (Sailors, Soldiers, Air Force Association), going out to visit veterans who’ve requested support and often need regular day-to-day assistance.
While the 60-year-old’s volunteering sees him handle many different tasks including gardening and shopping, major issues revolve around loneliness.
Andy told the Chronicle: “I was in the army and I know that leaving is all about adapting back to life.
“I’ve been through it all so for me this is like giving back.
“You see these soldiers who are lost and struggling to adapt but we all have this camaraderie.
“I’ll go and help them with gardening for example and they help me and it’s a way for them to get out of the house for a bit.
“They don’t have to pay for it and we’ll talk a lot so it’s kind of like counselling.
“There are people who’ve been to places like Afghanistan and they were too young and seen too much - I get it, I’ve been through it all and I’m just giving back.”
As he is not able to drive, the former soldier of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment cycles or uses the bus to travel across the borough, helping whoever needs it.
Yet his work comes with additional challenges, as he is suffering with a heart blockage that has left him hospitalised three times.
“It’s just about mental strength,” he added.
“You can imagine people dropping to depression because of it but you’ve just got to stay positive.
“It’s out of my control - I can probably control about 95 per cent of my life but there are some things I can’t.
“So if I can still go out and do this, anyone can.”
For all that he does, Andy has been nominated as Volunteer of the Year at the upcoming Proud of Barnsley.
“You can get through anything with support,” he said.
“It can be frustrating when you start meeting someone and they’re not complying, but they always get there eventually.
“I love it - it’s helping me and keeping me occupied.
“I feel guilty sometimes because I enjoy it so much, there’s this real adrenaline rush that comes from helping someone.
“So it’s just like people say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger - you don’t know what you can do until you’ve done it.
“I don’t do anything better than any nurse, doctor or carer.
“I’m just doing it because I like it and if this helps make people aware of the service then that’s a good thing.”
