Latest news with #RoyalArmyNursingCorps
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire Army veteran appeals for locals to help provide support for ex-servicemen
Veterans' charity Help for Heroes is trying to bring more people on board as volunteers as it expands its reach in local communities. An Army veteran, from South Lanarkshire, is appealing for local people to volunteer to provide vital support for the men and women who have served their country. Veterans' charity Help for Heroes is trying to bring more people on board as volunteers as it expands its reach in local communities. David Dent, age 58, lives in Carluke and served for in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps during the 1990s and was a specialist in intensive care and military trauma, carrying out emergency care on the battlefield. He received a blast injury received in Bosnia in 1994, which resulted in a medical discharge in 2000. As a result, he experiences chronic pain and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and uses a wheelchair daily. With support from Help for Heroes, he overcame his disability to become the first seated athlete to set a world record under the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association – a distance of 23ft and 6 inches in the shot put. In addition to being a para-athlete, he is now an advocate for disabled veterans, a university lecturer, a company director, and a consultant for the Scottish Government. David said: 'Help for Heroes was there for me when I most needed it. It's really been a lifeline for me and thousands of other veterans, but it needs to recruit more volunteers so it can support more men and women who have served. 'As well as providing clinical, mental health and welfare support services through a team of dedicated advisors, the Charity works with groups to support veterans and their families to connect with each other and their communities through sports and social activities. 'These activities can be an important part of recovery and the Charity wants to expand this activity in Lanarkshire but to do this it's going to need volunteers.' Help for Heroes is currently supporting 37 veterans across Lanarkshire. The charity aims to work with volunteers, national and local organisations to offer activities for veterans and their families such as wheelchair basketball, archery, rowing, as well as activities such as photography and creative writing. It is also hoping to hold regular drop-in cafe social sessions. On average, five people are medically discharged from the UK military every day. Some veterans must find new ways to live with a physical disability. Others face complex mental trauma. Many feel cut off from society, friends, even family. David added: 'I know personally what a valuable job Help for Heroes does. There are approximately 11,600 veterans living in Lanarkshire and if we can recruit people who are able to give a couple of hours a week, the Charity can do more for local people. 'We also need people who are happy to help us with fundraising events. Last year our volunteer fundraisers helped us out with bucket collections at supermarkets and other locations. 'If you'd like to find out more about how you can volunteer, or have a passion for a sport, creative or social activity that you think you could share with veterans, then please get in touch.'
Glasgow Times
04-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Carluke veteran remembers grandfathers' World War II service
David Dent, MBE, who suffered life-changing injuries during his own service, is reflecting on the contributions of his grandfathers, who both served and survived the war. David, from Carluke, served with the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps until a blast injury in Bosnia in 1994 led to his medical discharge in 2000. David Dent UN Operations Former Yugoslavia 1995 (Image: Supplied) Read more: Sir Billy Connolly to be celebrated at Glasgow music event The 58-year-old still experiences chronic pain and PTSD to this day, and uses a wheelchair daily. Despite his own struggles, he fondly remembers his grandfathers' service. He said: "I remember them as smart, quiet, and considerate, but still traditional and firm, really enjoying the simple things in life. "Granddad Higson loved his gardening, especially his roses, and grandfather Dent his little farmhouse, with animals – including a donkey in the field behind – and dogs. "Peace, quiet, and family were the most important things. "Tellingly, like many of that generation, neither ever spoke of their experiences in the war at all." David with ex-marine JJ Chalmers (Image: Supplied) His paternal grandfather, George Vernon Dent, MBE, served with the South Staffordshire Regiment, playing a crucial role in protecting Atlantic convoys and participating in the Battle of Caen. His contributions were recognised with the award of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). His maternal grandfather, Major Ben Higson, was stationed in Perth with the West Yorkshire Regiment when war was declared. He retired in 1970, after almost four decades of service, and was decorated with numerous medals including the Defence Medal, Victory Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. As VE Day approaches, David has stressed the importance of remembering such events. He said: "World War II was one of the most significant and devastating conflicts in human history. "Remembering the generation of soldiers and families from World War II is crucial. "Armed Forces personnel and their families made immense sacrifices. "Many lost their lives, endured severe hardships, and faced unimaginable challenges. "By remembering them, we honour their bravery, dedication, and the ultimate sacrifices they made for our freedom. "It also helps us learn valuable lessons about the consequences of war, the importance of peace, and the need to prevent such conflicts in the future – especially in the turbulent world we currently live in." After his service, David faced his own battles, which he overcame with support from Help for Heroes. The charity has already supported more than 31,000 people and strive to continue to champion the Armed Forces community. With the support he has received, David has managed to become a successful athlete. He is now the first seated athlete to set a world record under the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association – a distance of 23ft 6 inches in the shot put. Read more: Glasgow runner completes London Marathon after his friend collapses and dies at 22 David has become a successful athlete (Image: Supplied) In addition, David is now an advocate for disabled veterans, a university lecturer, a company director, and a consultant for the Scottish Government. Help for Heroes supports veteran families from any branch of the UK military regardless of the length or place of their service. More information about the organisation can be found on the charity's website.
