An Iraq War veteran has enjoyed a memorable adventure holiday in the Lake District with support from the staff at the care home where he lives.
Stephen Vause, who was left with severe life-changing injuries from a mortar bomb blast while serving in Basra, spent four days at outdoor activity centre Calvert Lakes in Keswick.
The 36-year-old lives at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, and was accompanied by two healthcare assistants from the home.
The costs for the trip to Calvert Lakes were covered by Help for Heroes, which has previously worked with Royal Star & Garter and funded a bespoke wheelchair and specialist gym equipment to support Stephen’s care.
Calvert Lakes’ all-inclusive residential breaks help people with a range of disabilities experience the Lake District in a safe and supportive way, delivering a fun and fulfilling experience that makes a positive difference in their lives.
During his trip, Stephen went hiking and swimming, enjoyed bike rides, sailed a catamaran, and tried canoeing too.
“It is always an honour to help injured service personnel and veterans in any way we can,” said Sean Day, chief executive at the Lake District Calvert Trust. “Stephen took on a wide range of activities and had a great stay. Our instructors enjoyed it just as much as he did!”
Stephen has been a resident at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton since 2017. The charity provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, and also has Homes in Solihull and High Wycombe.
Stephen said afterwards: “I’m very lucky that Help for Heroes paid for this, and that healthcare assistants Sam and Phil from Royal Star & Garter were able to come with me. Thanks to both charities, I’ve had the best time ever!”
Stephen was just 19 when he suffered major brain injuries while serving with 4th Battalion The Rifles, in Basra in 2007. He was on his first tour of duty, and the attack left him severely disabled.
Jennie Rumble, Operations Manager for Veterans Clinical Services at Help for Heroes, said: “Stephen is one of the Very Seriously Injured (VSI) veterans who will need specialist care and support for the rest of their lives.
“We want healthcare to enhance Stephen’s life – enabling him to thrive, not just survive and that’s why his residential stay at Calvert Lakes was so important.
“Stephen enjoyed an adventurous week experiencing the benefits of the great outdoors whilst having fun with other members of the Armed Forces community we support. The Calvert Lakes trip, his wheelchair accessible wheelchair hire and additional care costs were all funded by Help for Heroes’ VSI programme.
“Stephen fights every day to manage his physical injuries, but every challenge is attempted with determination and humour – he had a great time.”
