A ROYAL Artillery veteran who served in the Gulf War has opened a veteran centre in Eastleigh.
Digger Gardner, 56, from Hedge End was a Bombardier in the 1990 conflict.
Since leaving the military, his goal has been to help struggling veterans across the country.
Working with Tail End Charlie Veteran Support Team, Digger has now opened a hub at St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Eastleigh to give veterans a place to feel comfortable and unload in times of need, whilst also meeting and helping those struggling.
Having experienced the transition from serving to coming home, Digger understands first-hand that it is easy to isolate yourself and disconnect from friends.
He said: “When you have somebody coming in that has problems, as soon as you start talking to them and they realise you’re similar, it’s a whole lot easier for them to open up.”
Up until last week, when the team received National Lottery funding, Digger had been funding meetings and events with his own war pension.
His wife Aline Richie, 63, said Digger fell ill with sepsis nearly two years ago, but this did not stop him from helping others.
She said: “Even when he came home from the hospital and was so very unwell, he was still helping veterans and I think he deserves that to be known.”
Opening the centre Blenheim Road yesterday alongside Digger were friends and fellow veterans Jim Parker, 60, and Graham Archibald, 57, who served in the Gulf War alongside him, as well as the Mayor of Eastleigh and MP Paul Holmes.
Speaking to the group about serving together, Jim said: “The sense of camaraderie and friendship and what we’ve been through together means the bond never breaks.”
Graham now works with the NHS under the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, Opcourage.
He said: “I know for myself, I’ve turned it around because I've been there, I was that guy and now I’m using that experience to help others.
“Sometimes you might have to actually take them by the hand and take them to AA or something, but it will work until they’re confident to go alone.”
Veterans in search of support or help can contact Tail End Charlie Veteran Support at 01489 359869 or visit opcouragesoutheast.co.uk
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