Steve's Story | �鶹ɫ��Ƭ

“My name is Steve Richards, and I joined as a Junior Marine in 1978, and was commissioned in 1992, leaving as a Lieutenant Colonel.

I served in 40 Commando, 45 Commando, Commando Helicopter Forces, Amphib Forces HQ and the MOD. I served in Northern Ireland-Balkans-Iraq-Afghan-West Africa and was awarded four operational commendations.

I completed 36 years’ service but was medically discharged in 2014 due to PTSD and associated auto-immune disorders. This came as a huge disappointment but that does not distract from my pride at serving with outstanding people in the finest Corps in the world.

My story is not of one a single event, but the drip-drip of multiple operational incidents and events that slowly filled my bucket that eventually overflowed.

Man sat in a pink shirt looking away from camera

My first practical assistance from the Charity was a Segway with a seat that allowed me to get to PTSD counselling, hydrotherapy, and sports, art and social therapy and events. I still have this and use it when I attend my latest activity which was originally sponsored by the RMA-TRMC as a mentor at HorseBack UK. This charity set up by has supported and assisted hundreds of RMs and I am proud to have become a mentor after completing four weeks of therapy, all paid for by the RMA-The Royal Marines Charity.

After medical discharge, the RMA-TRMC helped pay for a wheelchair and hoist for my car when I was at a low ebb living on my own on Dartmoor. When living off-grid became too challenging, I was given assistance with moving costs, and now live closer to my family in a bungalow in the Quantock Hills in Somerset.

With my Segway and wheelchair for mobility, support and rewarding activities and the constant fellowship of other RM veterans and offers of activities, I am now in a good place.

My life is different to what I planned but I owe the RMA-The Royal Marines Charity a great deal: in fact it is no word of a lie; I doubt I would be here without their assistance.

On behalf of myself and my family, thank you for the moral and financial support, it is second to none.”

Supporting You

At the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, we are here to support you and your family—whenever and wherever you need us. Whether you are serving, a veteran, or a family member, our support spans all aspects of life, from mental health and financial assistance to education, housing, and family wellbeing. Our helping You area brings together the many ways we can help, ensuring that no one in our Naval family faces life’s challenges alone.

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