Talking with the wounded – Details, episodes & analysis

L/Cpl James Ashworth was killed as he stormed an enemy position in Helmand , Afghanistan.  An action he was awarded the VC for; the 14th person at the time to receive the highest award for gallantry since WWII. His father, Duane, himself a former Grenadier, describes how he came to hear the news of his sons death, his repatriation and the announcement of the VC. Mistakes were made, bureaucracy gets in the way and the press intrusion overwhelming. This journey is an emotional roller coaster, as told by the only person who could, beyond those who were there when his son gave his all for those around him.  

Duane now runs "Kitchener's" in Lowestoft  - a Hotel that provides discounted getaways for veterans, serving military members, and blue light service providers and their families.  More info can be found at www.kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk  Its a registered charity to, so donations always welcome.

Quoted as uttering the best line of the war, Paul Fear takes us to the moment he had reason to say it back in 2007 in Afghanistan.  Paul and I served together in the early 90's.  He left and subsequently re joined.  He found himself in Afghanistan fighting at close quarters with the Taliban until one day it didn't go his and a few others way.  After 6 more years he took the opportunity to leave with a pay out and a pension.. ..except it never came.  With a determined wife who fought for his dues all the way to the Prime Minister, the MOD eventually relented.  Once again, the Government failed those it asked to go fight on its behalf. Years later working for Sky, the fall of Kabul brings it all back..and credit where credit is due the NHS via Op Courage stepped up. The brutality of engaging with the enemy,  fighting for what your due against your former employer, to eventually needing help is a story we hear all too often from this cohort.

Op Courage is the NHS answer to helping Veterans with their mental health - and this episode is a perfect example of what is does.  Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Karl Warde takes us on his journey into darkness, eventual PTSD diagnosis and the journey back to the light.  A harrowing story of one mans war and how it changes everything.

The following charities have helped Karle pick up the pieces:

Home - Veterans Aid (veterans-aid.net)

The Colonel's Fund - Grenadier Guards (grengds.com)

My contact details: thesearchchicken@gmail.com

Jason Gould tells us about nearly losing it all and his incredible recovery.  Inspirational doesn't begin to describe him, the people who saved him,  and the hundreds who put him back together.  This will move you.  If that's not enough he also tells us about the incredible job he does now.

Jason's chosen charities are BLESMA and the Colonels Fund - for giving him the confidence and skills to grab life and live it to the full. Their links are below.  If you want to get hold of me or would like to tell your story please email:  thesearchchicken@gmail.com

www.blesma.org

www.grengds.com/colonels-fund

Alex Harrison talks us through how he came to being shot in the head, walking off the battlefield after pointing out where the enemy were - for which he was decorated, and the slide into the abyss that is PTSD and his subsequent recovery. a remarkable man who has a very matter of fact way of telling his story

Alex Harrison talks us through how he came to being shot in the head, walking off the battlefield after pointing out where the enemy were - for which he was subsequently decorated and the slide into the abyss that is PTSD and his subsequent recovery.  A remarkable man who has a very matter of fact way of telling his story.

Alex can be found on Insta at: https://www.instagram.com/one_eyed_harry/#

The Charities Alex refers to who have helped in his recovery:

The Colonel's Fund - Grenadier Guards (grengds.com)

Welcome - Walking With The Wounded

The Not Forgotten - The Not Forgotten

Behind the Heroes CiC

To contact me email: thesearchchicken@gmail.com if you have a story to tell.

"Happy blow Up day" - his line not mine - it will become clear.  Episode 1 has Tony Checkley talk us through his military journey; the good, the bad and the ugly.  From hysterical encounters with the Queen, to stepping on a landmine and the chaos thereafter, and who has helped in his recovery. 

This is the first one I recorded - making all the obvious mistakes regarding music, transitioning, sound quality etc etc... but if you can get over all that - which is easy to do such is the captivating story Tony has to tell, you will hopefully not notice that this shouldn't really be called a podcast but a short story. 

Tony mentions a couple of charities which have been a part of his recovery:

The Colonel's Fund - Grenadier Guards (grengds.com)   

Military Charity for Limbless Veterans | Blesma

"Talking with the wounded" is a twice a monthly publication - gives you time to listen to the longer ones and me time to try and work out how to improve the production side of things..which may not be evident in the first series.  

Thanks for listening - please follow and share and send me your comments.

Ben

As a Doctor in the field saving wounded soldiers he never thought he may actually be asked to engage the enemy.  Dr Ian Nesbitt talks us through dealing with the wounded in Afghanistan, on board a Chinook as the MERT (Medical Emergency Response Team) Doc, flying into battles to collect the wounded, and also as part of the reception team back in Camp Bastion receiving those brought back by the MERT.  Describing himself as "self loading luggage" Ian gives us a unique insight into military medicine; stabilising the wounded, friend or foe, while performing procedures usually done in an operating theatre, rather than the noisy, dirty, cramped conditions found while kneeling in the back of a helicopter that the enemy are intent on shooting out the sky.  Thought provoking, moving and humbling; and not without cost.   

The charities he wishes to highlight are: David Knott Foundation which teaches latest skills for surgeons in war zones- David Nott Foundation

and Blind Veterans UK, formerly known as St Dunstan's - Blind Veterans UK, Rebuilding lives after sight loss - Blind Veterans UK

Former Royal Marine, then RAF Search & Rescue Paramedic, Chris Bradshaw QGM, tells us what its like to be in the MERT (Medical Emergency Rescue Team) on Chinooks in Afghanistan and his life now at the end of the wire.  As part of the medical team onboard a Chinook sent in to pick up the wounded, be they Military, Afghans and occasionally the enemy, Chris talks us through what happens when the wounded make it to the tailgate.  But, as he says.." The real life saving stuff happens with the person next to you on the ground when the injury occurs, they are the real heroes." An extraordinary journey, and the life on the wire continues.  If you want to meet him - just fall off a mountain in the Lake District and he will probably be the the guy flown in to save you.   

His chosen charity is "Turn to Starboard" www.turntostarboard.co.uk

A charity that helps serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, and their families, re-adjust after operational tours through the power of sailing.