From Tweed to Tees Paul McClintock has been in constant pain n since ving with suffering a spinal injury in 1996 while serving the Royal Green Jackets. But he was determined rmined that no amount of suffering would stop him m in his mission to raise £6,000 for the charity that at has helped put his life back on track. “The Legion has helped me from day one e when I came out of the Army. They bought my wheelchair heelchair and helped with adaptations, so I could live ve in my home. They even liaised with my landlord to keep a roof over my head that I could afford,” he e said. Paul has now completed an epic 125-mile mile journey in his wheelchair, travelling from Berwickupon-Tweed to Croft-on-Tees, in aid of the Legion. The journey took a week to complete, and nd he was assisted along the way by David Bell, Legion County Secretary for Northumbria.
shun! from the world of the Legion
Who’s in Legion’s Hall of Fame?
Lickey End Branch’s Life President John Hewlett, who has been honoured for his 66 years’ service to the Poppy Appeal. He was presented with a 60-year badge by Shaun McCarthy, County Secretary, during a celebration dinner.
The staff at Magor Post Office Café, who made and sold Poppy cupcakes on 11 November, including this giant cupcake, which was raffled off in aid of the Poppy Appeal.
The Safeway Branch, which presented the Legion with a cheque for £3,750 during its annual dinner. Safeway is one of two ‘in-house’ Legion branches, the other being Lloyd’s of London Branch.
Dan means business An ex-soldier who was severely injured while serving in Iraq has battled back to become a national finalist in the 2010 Barclays Trading Places Awards. Dan Twiddy, who received Legion assistance following his medical discharge from the Army in 2005, was nominated after setting up his own plastering business. Although Dan (below, left) missed out on the top prize at the 2010 awards, judges were impressed to learn how he set up his business from scratch on his Army pension, and also how he battled to keep it afloat after his van, containing all his equipment, was stolen. Steve Cooper, chair of the judging panel said: “The awards are a celebration of people who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business. So I congratulate Dan on becoming a finalist and hope his inspiring story will prove to other people that self-employment can be possible if you’ve got a dream and the guts and determination.”
Hockley Branch member Debbie Phillips, who raised more than £550 for the Poppy Appeal by taking part in the Bupa Great North Run. She completed the 13-mile race in three hours, 15 minutes and 13 seconds.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 • Legion
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