Military charity launches #gotyourback appeal for soldiers ‘too proud’ to ask for help
Jorgie Porter and Gemma Atkinson join stars stripping off to support war heroes as study shows just one per cent would ask for help if in need
Britain’s oldest military charity is set to team up with some of television and sport’s most famous faces to release calendar in support of the UK’s serving war heroes and veterans.
New research has shown that less than one per cent of Britain’s war heroes would seek help from a charity if they found themselves in need.
Almost 60 per cent said they felt they should be able to deal with problems alone rather than relying on others, according to a study conducted by armed forces charity SSAFA.
Worryingly, 42 per cent said they would only acknowledge they had a problem if their life was in danger – suggesting the soldiers and veterans push themselves to the brink before seeking help.
Following the unnerving research, the non-profit organisation is now set to launch its ‘Got Your Back’ campaign to address the forces’ grin and bear it mentality.
A host of the UK’s best-known personalities, including Gemma Atkinson, Luke Pasqualino and Jorgie Porter have signed up to take part in a charity calendar to raise money for the appeal.
Former boxing world champion, Nigel Benn who served in the British Army for four years praised the campaign.
He said: “Having served in the army, I’ve seen first-hand the problems that some people face when they leave the Forces and have to go it alone.
“It’s a really difficult situation to be in, you might be struggling but it’s so hard to hold your hands up and ask for help, especially when you’ve been trained to get on with the job.
“If you’re in the forces and need extra support or a veteran finding it tough to cope, please get in touch with SSAFA, they have your back.”
