The funding, spread over four years, will support veterans on Help for Heroes’ Very Seriously Injured (VSI) programme. These veterans live with some of the most complex, life-changing injuries and require round-the-clock, holistic care that is unavailable anywhere else in one place.
Currently, 38 veterans are living with very serious injuries - of whom 10 are Royal Navy and Royal Marines - a number that continues to grow. Help for Heroes aims to raise £17 million through the campaign to guarantee these veterans receive vital support, both now and in the future.
One of those whose life has been transformed by the VSI programme is Tom Grovsner, from Basingstoke. At just 17, and weeks from completing his Royal Navy training, Tom was struck by a car and sustained a devastating brain injury. When other avenues of support ran out, his parents turned to Help for Heroes. Today, Tom receives 24-hour care in his adapted bungalow. With this support, he has made remarkable progress — from standing to cook his own meals to proudly walking past the Cenotaph during the 2024 Remembrance Parade. His confidence has soared.
Deirdre Mills, Director, Greenwich Hospital, said:
“Veterans on the VSI programme, and their families, live with challenges that most of us can only imagine, and they deserve the very best care for as long as it’s needed. By supporting Help for Heroes with this funding, we want each one of these men and women to know they are not forgotten, and that we stand beside them for the journey ahead.”
Carol Betteridge OBE, Deputy Services Director at Help for Heroes, added:
“This life-changing grant from Greenwich Hospital is incredibly important and will ensure we can continue our mission to improve the lives of our most seriously injured veterans. We are grateful for their support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines communities, and we look forward to working with them over the next four years.”
Learn more about the work of Help for Heroes here: UK Armed Forces and military veterans charity | Help For Heroes