10:10am Saturday 27th February 2010
KNOWING the personal struggles that he faced himself after losing a limb, an Eastleigh exserviceman is on a mission to raise thousands for heroes injured fighting on the frontline.
Inspired by the bravery of young soldiers returning home after losing limbs, pensioner, Chris Hayles, is determined to do something to help ensure that they have the support they need to rebuild their lives.
The 64-year-old Royal Signals veteran, who lost his left leg through diabetes two years ago, is putting together a booklet of war poetry for charity, entitled The Soldier.
Chris says he wants to donate all proceeds to the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association, which gave him so much help after his amputation, and to the charity, Afghan Heroes.
So far, he’s collected more than 40 poems, some dating from as far back as World War I and others only recently penned by soldiers, their widows and their families.
Chris has also included a poem of his own, Lineman, which draws on his nine years in the army.
He’s hoping more people will send him their poetry for the collection: “Being an ex-serviceman myself, I really want to do something that will help the lads and lasses who are risking their lives on the frontline for us.
“I was lucky to get out of the army unscathed, but so many are coming back without their limbs.
“Having my leg amputated, I know something of what they must be going through so I want to help them rebuild their lives.
“This booklet will be something different, a way for soldiers and their families to express their feelings and to share in the experiences of others, knowing that they are not alone.”
If you would like your poem included in the booklet, call Chris on 023 8064 4608.
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