Old Smokie

[Leon]

Thanks for taking the time to do this.   Could you ask Harry if SSAFA is involved? They are the best Armed Forces charity in terms of quick reaction and minimum red tape.  They may be able to source some resources/practical help/care  that  can increase  Andy's level of  comfortable. They don't work miracles - but they come close at times.   All they need is a service number. 

I've passed that on to find out, but I'm not sure how much can be done at this point.  SSAFA are a great bunch, they come along to Battleground each year with their stand and they helped out my grandmother with some minor building work when her roof had sprung a leak a couple of years back.

[jimduncanuk]

I see and speak to the SSAFA guys at several shows over the year. I give them a few quid and now and again a bit more. They are a great bunch of guys, veterans themselves and are a great source of stories about themselves and some of their clients.

I have been gifted a couple of their T-shirts and try to wear them at shows.

[Sunray]

The SSAFA success rate in helping Vets is based on their live linked up data base that connects ALL possible trusts, funds, and charities related to the ex-service community.

You enter the Vet's service number and immediately you have a live link to perhaps 6/7 such trusts. The need is established by the SSAFA case worker - often sitting beside the Vet/family with a laptop at the nearest Wi-Fi source.  The trusts then collaborate in live time to meet the need. Often its small individual charity discretion payments lumped together.  On their own peanuts -  lumped you have a couple of grand.  And all with a couple of clicks from those operators who are linked in.   

Its the "instant coffee" assistance that can make the difference.   

A prime example is being able to offer a menu choice of decent scrans when the Vet has lost appetite through long term illness.   The Case Worker sourced a supplier of tasty ready cooked meals, and the SSAFA network  found the cash and the voluntary agency to deliver daily.
It was so rewarding to see him eat and savour decent food.

[Ben Waterhouse]

The SSAFA success rate in helping Vets is based on their live linked up data base that connects ALL possible trusts, funds, and charities related to the ex-service community.

You enter the Vet's service number and immediately you have a live link to perhaps 6/7 such trusts. The need is established by the SSAFA case worker - often sitting beside the Vet/family with a laptop at the nearest Wi-Fi source.  The trusts then collaborate in live time to meet the need. Often its small individual charity discretion payments lumped together.  On their own peanuts -  lumped you have a couple of grand.  And all with a couple of clicks from those operators who are linked in.   

Its the "instant coffee" assistance that can make the difference.   

A prime example is being able to offer a menu choice of decent scrans when the Vet has lost appetite through long term illness.   The Case Worker sourced a supplier of tasty ready cooked meals, and the SSAFA network  found the cash and the voluntary agency to deliver daily.
It was so rewarding to see him eat and savour decent food.

SSAFA sorted all my poor brothers problems out, first class help.

[Womble67]

Sad news

Take care

Andy

[jimduncanuk]

I've just been given a bundle of stuff which I think has come from Old Smokies collection.

There are a bundle of RUB compartmented trays which I will absorb into my own stuff. I plan to bung a good few quid into a SSAFA tin next time I see them.

There are four army pack of Pendraken figures, all un-bagged and unpainted.

Norse, Norman, Anglo-Saxon and Goblins. They retail at £31/£33 each.

I would be happy to pass any of them on for a reasonable charitable donation.

Failing that I'll eventually paint them up and sell them in due course.

Any offers?

Jim

[jimduncanuk]

There are four army pack of Pendraken figures, all un-bagged and unpainted.

Norse, Norman, Anglo-Saxon and Goblins. They retail at £31/£33 each.

It seems there are Hill Dwarves too.

[Leon]

I've had another update from Harry tonight:

Can you thank the forum members for their suggestions and kind words, there are several charities involved with Andy's care, both military and civilian, sadly there is not much can be done now.

He is very pleased with all the efforts to find new homes for his collection and the raising of funds for service charities.

[Leon]

Just to keep everyone in the loop, I've had another update from Andy's friend:

Andy is still with us, he has been  at a hospital in London receiving a new type of treatment, which seems to have stabilzed things for the moment. Hopefully it will continue to be so. His eyesight is returning slowley after the discovery that it was some of the medication causing the sight loss, a bit of good news for a change. I shall endevour to keep you updated.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Fingers crossed

[paulr]

Seconded

[Steve J]

Thanks for the update and fingers crossed.

[Techno]

Fingers crossed here, as well.

Cheers - Phil

[Westmarcher]

That's good news, indeed. Horrendous to read that some of the medication was causing his sight loss. I can only hope that it was otherwise doing some good and that the new stuff continues to stabilise his condition.

[Orcs]

Glad he is still with us, and seem to be improving if only by a little