This is the second in a series of articles that I am writing for The Hunts Post promoting heroic volunteers in our area who give up their time. I want to tell their story of what they do and what they have achieved by volunteering.
Each year I buy a poppy and wear it with pride. But the truth is, beyond a vague idea of ‘helping soldiers’ I don’t really know how the money raised is actually spent. This year, I have decided to find out.
With Ricky and Kerry Snell and their daughter Lisa
I went to the Royal British Legion office in St Neots where I was introduced to Ricky Snell and his pregnant wife Kerry. Between them was their adorable two year old, Lisa. It was all smiles and they were a delight to meet, but their story was heartbreaking. Just two months ago they were living together cooped up in a damp bungalow in the fens. They believed the boiler was giving off poisonous gas, but as soon as they complained, they were handed an eviction notice by their landlord. They had no money and nowhere to go.
Ricky served his country in the Royal Navy, on board HMS Ark Royal. He had a tough time, the subject of bullying, but he maintains he would do it again in a snap.
We have to ask ourselves is this any way to treat those we ask to protect us?
Facing homelessness and only an offer of hotel accommodation from the council, the Royal British Legion stepped in. Ricky and Kerry were re-located to a dry and safe house which they love. Both of them work to help others as carers and now want to train as volunteers for The Royal British legion themselves now. To help others as they have been helped. Ricky knows the importance of the RBL’s intervention. “If it weren’t for The Royal British Legion we’d be homeless right now”. From the potentially toxic flat, amid arguments and the disarray of their lives, they now feel settled. As Kerry put it to me “Our relationship now is stronger than ever. They can’t separate us any more. The Royal British Legion has changed our lives”.
The poppy we purchase is a symbol of our thanks but more importantly it funds an organisation that steps in to help our heroes when they need us.
Originally set up after The First World War, this year the Royal British Legion is celebrating its’ 90th anniversary. With recent conflicts in Iraq and the Balkans and ongoing operations in Libya and Afghanistan the service the RBL provides is as relevant today as it was back in 1921.
Caseworkers like Peter Davies from Brampton tour the county visiting former servicemen and women literally changing lives “I have people who need help sorting out debts to people with disabilities where we can help with adaptations to their home. A very common request is for the emergency alarms where people can wear a necklace. The British Legion has a scheme where they can provide those. We can also provide mobility scooters. I have seen people who are housebound but when we provide a scooter they can suddenly get out of the house to get down to the shops and so on”.
With Caseworker Peter Davies from Brampton
The organisation is always on the lookout for more volunteer case workers. It’s not for everyone but it can be hugely rewarding as was clear talking to Peter “For anyone who wants to volunteer I would say that it’s not an easy job to do it properly. You never know what you are going to get. But you have to like people. It is sometimes very traumatic and you have to leave your prejudices outside. Whoever they are you have got to like them. And you have to have the need inside you to help. And if you have got that you will make a superb caseworker”.
The poppies will start appearing soon, on the bar at the pub, around the necks of collectors at the supermarket or with a knock at your door. This year as I pin mine on I will be able to think about Ricky and Kerry; proud that I can give something back to these young devoted parents who served their country.
If you would like to consider volunteering for The Royal British Legion then please contact the regional manager Alan Levy on 01480 478 526.
rebeccadjanogly 
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