My time with the Royal Engineers was amazing and challenging in equal measure, and undoubtedly left me with unprocessed emotions. Then in 2020 we lost the children’s mum Fiona to cancer very suddenly, and I was thrown into the role of primary carer for my young kids. This was closely followed by the Covid epidemic, and we found ourselves locked down at home, trying to come to terms with our grief.

As a result of these events, my mental health rapidly declined and I was struggling to cope. It was then that I reached out in desperation to the Royal British Legion. The RBL was amazing, and offered me the mental and physical support that enabled me to subsequently turn my life around, and get back on track. I don’t know what I would have done without them.

I was quite overwhelmed when I was asked to become an Ambassador for the RBL, appearing in their 2022 Poppy Edition magazine, followed by an interview on BBC Radio, and several speeches on positive mental health, both for the RBL and other organisations.

I am now a regular speaker on positive mental health, and hoping to become a mentor within the Royal Engineers, as well as assisting with NHS clinics. I was fortunate enough to be nominated to attend the King’s Coronation, an amazing honour and a poignant moment for me. I am now passionate about giving back to the RBL, and helping others who may be going through mental health challenges. I truly believe that even in the darkest times we can find light at the end of the tunnel through the love and support of others.