W. Bro Mike French will be sleeping on the ground, no tents, in an exposed positon on the banks of the River Tamar, that is very prone to freezing fog during the winter…
Stroll through any town or city in England’s green and pleasant land, and you will see them. Poor souls huddled against the freezing cold, all of their earthly belongings strewn around them in plastic bags or tattered rucksacks. A shop doorway the only shelter from the driving winter rain and biting wind. Is this not a sight that would touch any decent human being?
One of the big draws for me when I applied to become a Freemason was the unwavering support of charity. I’d become weary of donating to anonymous causes supported by whining celebrities or scandal ridden charitable foundations, where founding members award themselves six figure salaries. I wanted to know what little I could do or offer would make a difference, especially to my local community or country.
Coming from a military family, of several generations, serving at least as far back as through the two world wars, any charity that helps our servicemen and women, will always be dear to my heart. Couple this with the pity, and shame even, that I feel when I see how many of our own have no place to call home, no shelter from the elements or those wicked enough to further torment these unfortunate individuals.
The transition from military life to civilian life is not easy. I didn’t enjoy my first two jobs at all after 28 years in the Royal Navy. “Civvies” think differently, work differently, even talk differently! Many find it difficult to settle into new jobs. The much hated separation of service life can become a sorely missed refuge for some who have left it behind. Family life may become awkward, too many marriages fail as a consequence of this new scenario couples find themselves in. Other veterans may be haunted by things they have seen and done in situations most are fortunate enough never to witness, PTSD has become an all too familiar demon for those who’ve served our country in its hour of need. The effect of these issues may result in a downward spiral of personal problems; inability to get along with those closest to them, feeling isolated or helpless, drug, alcohol or gambling addiction. Getting in trouble with the law as they seek to replace the adrenaline rush of front line service, it’s easy to see how it can go badly wrong, very quickly.
I first became aware of the Alabare Homes for Homeless Veterans from a work colleague. I had never heard of them, few have. They have accommodation for 7 people in Plymouth, and similar sites in other garrison towns around the UK, all ex military, who have fallen on hard times. They offer temporary accommodation, rehabilitation, PTSD counselling, skills training and endeavour to find temporary placements for those they help, often leading to full time employment. When referring to the staff at these centres, adjectives such as “amazing” are frequently used by those being supported. “Got me through some really dark times”, “Gave me a safe place to talk about my journey”, are phrases heard from the same people.
This event, “The Big Sleep”, sounds almost comical. After all, what could possibly be challenging about sleeping? Well, it’s sleeping on the ground, no tents (we will be afforded canopy should it rain) in an exposed positon on the banks of the River Tamar, that is very prone to freezing fog during the winter. My body is battered, suffering from countless injuries sustained through foolish, youthful pursuits such as rugby. Make no mistake, this will hurt me. A lot. My colleagues undertaking this venture with me are all of similar age and injury ravaged bodies and also ex forces. As are all the others I believe have enrolled.
I know I can’t cure homelessness, but I can make a difference. If that is just for one person, I think my efforts will be worthwhile. To get one person off the streets, for a few days even, would be among my greatest achievements, and this is why I implore my noble and charitable brethren for support. Please help me to help those who’ve served their country, but now need our help.
“Great Expectations” Charles Dickens – 1860“And then I looked at the stars, and considered how awful if would be for a man to turn his face up to them as he froze to death, and see no help or pity in all the glittering multitude.”
When Dickens penned those lines, I expect he imagined a bright future where homelessness and poverty were long forgotten. Is it not a terrible, terrible thing that is still such a huge spectre hanging over a modern civilised nation such as ours?
Those poor souls will be very grateful for any penny you can spare to help them. I, and they, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
If you can, please click on the below and make a pledge for this worthy cause.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mike-french5?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3Sk2GsW_vpH5hrE78juq9oVWIil_PfssoYw4_HEC6wKweKNbXiUs9xkKE