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Prime Minister commends Armed Forces at SSAFA Forces Help event at 10 Downing Street

Prime Min ister, David Cameron, talked about the great bravery of Britain ’s Armed Forces at a special event which took place at 10 Downing Street on Monday 29th November to mark the 125th anniversary of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help. SSAFA is a leading national charity committed to helping and supporting the Armed Forces and their families. 

Guests at the event ranged from serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans who SSAFA have helped, to key volunteers and supporters of the charity whose commitment and service was celebrated.

Mr Cameron delivered a speech where he praised the dedication of the troops, "we owe so much to those who serve on our behalf, and to those who suffer, who are often appallingly injured, and to those who don't come home at all."

He went on to commend SSAFA whose Norton Homes facilities provide housing near Selly Oak Hospital , Birmingham , and Headley Court , Surrey , for family members of badly wounded servicemen and women so they can stay close to them while they are being treated. Having recently visited Hedley Court Mr Cameron said, "one of the things that struck me was the unique incredible people, who have done very very brave things, and who have lost one, two, sometimes three limbs, as a result.” 

Giving examples of injured servicemen and women running marathons, climbing Mount Everest, and swimming the English Channel he continued, "it is extraordinary what you all want to do, and we as a country have got to want to help you do what you want to do, not just this week, next week, next year, the year after, but literally for decades to come. And that is what SSAFA to me is all about."

Amongst the guests was Staff Sergeant Michael Yule, 32, who stayed at Headley Court after stepping on an explosive device in Afghanistan in July. The incident left him a double amputee and his fiancée Jodie Taylor, along with his mum, stayed at a nearby house provided by SSAFA while he recovered in Selly Oak Hospital and Headley Court .

"One of the concerns I had when I woke up (in the critical ward) was how my fiancée would be looked after," he said. "They took away all the worry. It was a weight off my shoulders."

89-year-old D Day veteran, Wally Harris, was another ex-serviceman who was recognised at the reception. Mr Harris received assistance from SSAFA with caring for his wife of 69 years, who suffers from dementia. Last year a holiday was arranged for the couple in North Wales .

Visit: www.ssafa.org.uk