On 26th September, I will be taking on the Help for Heroes Heroes Hike in Lincolnshire and walking 25km to raise money for a charity that has helped my family through the hardest time of our lives.

My dad, Matt, served in the Army for 24 years. For as long as I can remember, he was posted away, or on exercises, training, and deployments. When he left the Army, my brother and I were so excited because we thought we would finally get to spend more time together as a family and have our dad home.

But just one year after leaving the Army, in March 2025, Dad suffered a major stroke.

Everything changed overnight.

Instead of enjoying life after the Army, Dad has had to fight every day to recover. He is learning how to live with disabilities that have affected his independence and changed the life he once knew. As a family, we have all had to adapt too. We now help care for and support Dad as he continues his recovery journey, celebrating every achievement, no matter how small, and helping him through the difficult days.

From Dad’s hospital bedside to where we are today, Help for Heroes has been there for us every step of the way.

They have provided support not only for Dad’s physical recovery, but also for his mental and emotional wellbeing. They have also helped our family when we needed it most, giving us support, guidance, and reassurance during a time that felt incredibly scary and uncertain.

I wanted to do something to say thank you and to help other veterans and families who might one day need the same support that we have received.

Walking 25km will be a huge challenge for me, but if it helps raise awareness and funds for Help for Heroes, every step will be worth it.

My target is £250, and I would be so grateful for any donation, big or small. Your support will help Help for Heroes continue to stand beside veterans and their families when life changes in ways they never expected.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me, my dad, and this incredible charity.

Thank you,

Edith, aged 11