Popular Post govanblue 16,847 Posted February 22, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted February 22, 2018 Please read this, then do what your head or heart tells you to. Quote Bracken the Spaniel is giving military man Jimmy a new leash of life WHEN Jimmy Church was told he had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he burst out laughing. The Glasgow man had seen some horrific sights during his time in the Territorial Army, but that had been years before. Surely it wouldn’t have taken so long to affect him? But Jimmy had likely been living with the symptoms for many years without being diagnosed. Nine years since the shocking news, Jimmy has come to accept it and is now in a much better place. This is partly thanks to a bouncing springer spaniel full of energy called Bracken. She was gifted to Jimmy by a charity called Glen Art, whose Bravehound scheme matches companion dogs to veterans. The 60-year-old said: “I’m up at the back of five every morning, taking her walks. “I have a purpose now and it’s also good exercise for both of us. Before I would spend a lot of time in front of the television, just channel-hopping.” Jimmy lives in one of the bungalows in the grounds of veterans’ charity, Erskine. “I’m now meeting other veterans who have dogs and there’s a dog training class in Erskine every Friday.” Jimmy comes from a proud military family. His grandfather and father both served and only eyesight problems stopped Jimmy joining the Army. “So in 1974 I joined the TA’s medical corp – a unit my three sisters and brother also joined,” he explained. Jimmy had two stints in the TA, the second as a chef. During his time in Bosnia in 1993 he “saw some things that really affected me, but it’s not something I talk about.” Jimmy carried on working as a civilian chef, not realising that issues were taking hold. “I moved all of the furniture from my bedroom into the living room, closed the curtains and locked myself away for a couple of years. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. “Eventually I saw a GP, who sent me to a psychologist and within 10 minutes she had contacted Combat Stress. One of their welfare officers, Colonel David Steele, came out and said I needed help. “I laughed when I was told I had PTSD, because these things happened so long ago. “No one likes to admit they have mental health problems. There is still a stigma attached.” Jimmy continues to attend Hollybush House, a Combat Stress treatment centre in Ayrshire, on an annual basis. And three years ago he went to college in Durham and completed a greenkeeper course, winning student of the year in the process. He now works as a self-employed gardener and is involved with Glen Art, which helps those from a military background return to civilian life. Jimmy added: “Having Bracken can only have a positive impact on me.” Bravehound is competing in the National Lottery Awards 2017, the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded project, alongside six other Scottish entries. [they won it!] Some of you who follow the Fund threads (extremely) closely may recognise Jimmy as one of the Erskine Bungalow Residents. When he’s not out walking the dog, Jimmy loves nothing more than cheering on the Boys in Blue, and thanks to the RM Erskine Fund, he’s been able to get to quite a few games this season. I’d like to say that we’ve helped Jimmy in his recovery – but given our home performances this season, we may have done more harm than good! But anyway, over the last year, apart from continuing to develop his fledgling Gardening Business, he’s also been doing a lot of Volunteer work for Bravehound. In fact, he’s actually away on Bravehound Service today – helping with the handover of a new puppy to a Veteran. He invited me along to say hi, but as always, I’m working. Anyway, the point is that through getting the right support when he needed it, Jimmy’s now in a position where he’s now the one providing the support, and that’s the kind of results we like. So in order to help Jimmy continue with his efforts, we’ve sent him a couple of tickets for the Hearts game, courtesy of @King's Troop - but more importantly, I’ve also resolved to squeeze a little bit more money for Bravehound out of the Good Folk on RangersMedia. After all - you've got some spare money, and they need it, so to me it's pretty simple. We’re well on our way to our target, but we’ve still got a bit to go (about £250 short I reckon), so we really could do with a few Donations for the Dugs. So if anyone here (who has not already donated!!!) would like to contribute a few pounds to this noble cause, then simply say something here, or send a PM to me or @Zetland Oh and please be quick about it, before Bears r us finds this thread and unleashes the hounds! See the post below for the illustrious list of Good Bears who have already given their support… sRcFoCt, CoopsLaud, only14me and 8 others 11 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetland 5,830 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 The following Good Bears have already given their support… Donated: 65 Members AdmiralBlue BallochBear Bears r us Bil billscott Bill8972 Bobby Hume bordersbear bornabear broxieman Courtyard Bear Crispy Bear Darius72 Davie Mr Magic Cooper Deadmansshoe EKCO Falcoholic geneva_ger govanblue govansw1 Grundy GT66 hammer93 hammer time HG5 Jakes Pal JCDBigBear Junior Soprano K.A.I LOL153 No Surrender!!! Malvern MrMckee NornIronBear offshoreworker One Jock Wallace only14me OnslowDriver Perth_Campsie_Ger ps95v7 rab wilson Rambo1872 Rangers#1 RFC Eagle saltire266 scouseblue siddiqi_drinker sondicklg sRcFoCt SteveEarle Sweettartangirl Sweetheart SW3 TEFTONG terry739 thebooler The Ghost the old guard Thewhitesettler thistleman Travelrug WILLIAM BEAR wotmeworry Young Bob Zetland ZZed Wives, Cats, Dogs & Workmates Club: Mrs Bears r us Zetland's Workmates Pledged: 3 Members bluenose1975 Bluepeter9 born a blue nose Bears r us 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFC Eagle 4,888 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 4 hours ago, govanblue said: Oh and please be quick about it, before Bears r us finds this thread and unleashes the hounds! Beat him to it this time. dougie76, Bears r us and Zetland 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post the old guard 2,323 Posted February 22, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted February 22, 2018 I would love to put a few quid in the kitty, what's the easiest way to donate? I have a year old spaniel myself, brilliant companion. Zetland, billscott, Rambo1872 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
govanblue 16,847 Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 3 hours ago, the old guard said: I would love to put a few quid in the kitty, what's the easiest way to donate? I have a year old spaniel myself, brilliant companion. PM sent. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears r us 30,793 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 4 hours ago, RFC Eagle said: Beat him to it this time. Unfortunately I am reading this on my phone mate or would have tried my best to get up a dug gif for GB, so thanks for your help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bil 41 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Great work again! Please can you send me the PayPal link? cheers Billy Zetland and Bears r us 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears r us 30,793 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 CoopsLaud and RFC Eagle 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispy Bear 22 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Happy to send a few quid if someone could kindly PM the PayPal link Bears r us and Zetland 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears r us 30,793 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 2 minutes ago, Crispy Bear said: Happy to send a few quid if someone could kindly PM the PayPal link GB or Zetland will see your post mate and sort it out when they can. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bordersbear 1,105 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Count me in. Please send me the PayPal link. Zetland and Bears r us 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetland 5,830 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 9 hours ago, Bil said: Great work again! Please can you send me the PayPal link? cheers Billy Will send you a PM with the details. Bears r us 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetland 5,830 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 2 hours ago, Crispy Bear said: Happy to send a few quid if someone could kindly PM the PayPal link Will send you a PM with the details. Bears r us 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetland 5,830 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 2 hours ago, bordersbear said: Count me in. Please send me the PayPal link. Will send you a PM with the details. Bears r us 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bil 41 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 4 minutes ago, Zetland said: Will send you a PM with the details. Sorted! Thanks again... Zetland 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetland 5,830 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 @Travelrug Added to the Donated list. Bears r us 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshoreworker 204 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 donation done sorry its taking so long heads been up ma recently with ma wee mrs being diagnosed with leukaemia Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malvern 11,329 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 2 minutes ago, offshoreworker said: donation done sorry its taking so long heads been up ma recently with ma wee mrs being diagnosed with leukaemia Fuck sake mate, wishing you and your wife all the best, fingers crossed. offshoreworker 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Rambo1872 4,065 Posted February 22, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted February 22, 2018 PM the link please, young Mutley and maself will donate to a good cause. Sweetheart, CoopsLaud, jintybear and 2 others 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears r us 30,793 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 1 minute ago, offshoreworker said: donation done sorry its taking so long heads been up ma recently with ma wee mrs being diagnosed with leukaemia Really sorry to hear that mate, hope things work out for you both. Take care. offshoreworker 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetland 5,830 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 3 minutes ago, offshoreworker said: donation done sorry its taking so long heads been up ma recently with ma wee mrs being diagnosed with leukaemia Health comes first. Don’t you worry about a donation, just look after yourselves. Cheers Z offshoreworker 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rambo1872 4,065 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 5 minutes ago, offshoreworker said: donation done sorry its taking so long heads been up ma recently with ma wee mrs being diagnosed with leukaemia Sorry to hear that news mate. offshoreworker 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetland 5,830 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 @Rambo1872 PM will be with you shortly. Rambo1872 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshoreworker 204 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 3 minutes ago, Malvern said: Fuck sake mate, wishing you and your wife all the best, fingers crossed. cheers mal she's a wee fighter dealing with better than me Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshoreworker 204 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 2 minutes ago, Zetland said: Health comes first. Don’t you worry about a donation, just look after yourselves. Cheers Z cheers zetland xxx Zetland 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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