This year is the eighth consecutive year of our partnership with the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Poppyscotland. Today, we’re highlighting one of the many ex-serving members of the Armed Forces whose lives have been changed by the support of the Royal British Legion.
Support for a former Royal Engineer
John Webb, a former Royal Engineer, first contacted the Royal British Legion in March 2020, following the death of his estranged wife Fiona.
John said: “In early 2020 [my wife’s] cancer returned and so I made the decision to move back into the family home to look after my wife and children. The children were not aware at the time how poorly Fiona was, she didn’t want them to know. Unfortunately, within a month, she passed away.”
Amidst the pandemic in early 2021, John had to deal with the bereavement while providing for his three children. The grieving family was also navigating the ‘new norm’ of lockdown life. It was during these months that John greatly benefited from the support of the Royal British Legion.
The charity provided John with an assigned case officer, Caroline, and helped the family with an application for a larger home. The Royal British Legion also provided white goods and carpets for their property, as well as laptops so the children could do school work remotely.
John added: “Caroline from the RBL was an incredible support for us all and a real lifeline. She went above and beyond her role and she would check in on me and chat away on the phone to see how I was and what I needed help with.
“In my darkest days I was suicidal and had been left no plans for the kids’ futures, I was flying solo, and it became overwhelming. Having the RBL’s support anchored me down and they aided with emotional support for my mental health through to providing us with the ability to move to a larger house and gain a fresh start.
“I would encourage anyone struggling to contact the Royal British Legion.”
Donations throughout the Remembrance period
Together with our network of independent funeral directors, we’ve raised more than £700,000 for the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland since our partnership began.
This year, a donation of £25 will be made to the charities for every eligible Golden Charter funeral plan purchased*. These donations will help ensure that members of the Armed Forces community, like John, have access to sufficient support.
