A DURSLEY RAF sergeant has met England football manager Gareth Southgate.
Ahead of flying out to Qatar with his World Cup squad, Gareth was announced as military charity Help for Heroes’ new Patron.
He spoke with veterans and serving personnel who’ve been supported by the charity.
He met with RAF Sergeant Georgie Smith who has shared her experiences about how the military charity has supported her through sports recovery.
Georgie who lives in Dursley, 43, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but has defied the odds by continuing to work in the military.
She said: “Gareth will bring to Help for Heroes his immense experience in management, he’s proven to the nation how amazing a leader he is.
“We as military people serve our nation and that’s what the England footballers do.
“To have Gareth as part of the team means an awful lot to us as ambassadors and beneficiaries.
“I believe Gareth and Help for Heroes as a charity will be a great partnership.”
Gareth, whose grandfather served during the Second World War, has spoken of his close ties and affinity with the armed forces.
Speaking on his new role, Gareth said: “My sense of identity and values is closely tied to my family and particularly my grandad.
“He was a fierce patriot and a proud military man, who served during World War Two.
“Because of him, I’ve always had an affinity for the military and service in the name of your country.
“Both footballers and service personnel can find their careers cut short due to injury, a prospect which can affect them not only physically but and mentally too.
“The inability to function or perform in the same way after injury can often cause significant mental challenges, loss of identity and impact their prospects.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to working closely with Help for Heroes to support veterans and raise awareness of the great work they do to promote veterans living well after service.”
James Needham, Help for Heroes’ Interim CEO, added: “To have such a high-profile figure as Gareth Southgate supporting the charity is fantastic.
“It will help us to raise the profile of the work we do right across the charity.
“From our mental health and physical support to tackling isolation and championing our community’s welfare needs.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here