Workers and soldiers were happy to see Tanni Grey-Thompson
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Tanni Grey-Thompson pays injured soldiers a visit
By Pete CastleSeptember 28, 2011
INJURED soldiers at Aldershot's recovery centre had a morale-boosting visit from a legendary British Paralympian athlete.
Soldiers recovering from injury and sickness under the care of Aldershot’s personnel recovery unit met Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson at an open day on Tuesday (September 27).
The visit follows news that the garrison's centre, opened last year, is set to expand further to help up to 200 injured soldiers at a time.
The soldiers, many of whom have been injured while fighting in Afghanistan, were able to meet up at the informal open day and get information from representatives of agencies such as the Army Welfare Service, SSAFA Forces Help, Combat Stress and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
The soldiers also had the opportunity to seek advice on financial matters, training and education and even diet and nutrition, before Baroness Grey-Thompson, one of Britain's most successful ever wheelchair racers, spoke to them about her experiences.
After the event at Malta Lines in Forge Lane, Aldershot, Baroness Grey-Thompson met some of the troops, some of whom are, like her, wheelchair users.
Aldershot's personnel recovery units is one of 11 set up across the UK and Germany since 2010 to help the large numbers of wounded, injured and sick personnel with their return to work in the army or a transition to a supported civilian life.
Part of the army's recovery capability, the centres administer every aspect of an individual’s recovery, from welfare to physical rehabilitation, retraining or resettlement courses, accessing funding and finding appropriate adapted accommodation or vehicles.
Based in Aldershot, the 145 (South) Brigade recovery unit covers the south east of England, and currently deals with 80 recoverees in total.
Each of the recovering soldiers is assigned to one of five dedicated personnel recovery officers, who guide them through the many different elements of their rehabilitation.
The 145 Brigade PRU has recently been given extra cash to increase its staff to 13 recovery officers, which will see it increase the number of supported recovering officers to 200 over the next six months.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Meldon, commanding officer of the Personnel Recovery Unit, said Baroness Grey-Thompson was a 'national icon' who would hopefully inspire his soldiers to strive for more success.
“The 145 Brigade PRU core function is to improve the support provided to the soldiers under command and ensure the best possible outcome for each of their futures," he said.
"This open day follows a successful pilot event held in June and aims to provide a relaxed and informal atmosphere in which recoverees can discuss issues and access the information they may need."
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