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An Army veteran who lives in Oldham, is looking forward to getting back to the sport he loves as a result of support he’s had from the Charity.
Geoff Hargreaves, age 76, who lives in Oldham, had been playing as a holding mid-fielder for the England Veterans Over 70s Football Team for the past five years, until problems with his hip forces him to stop. Geoff, who served in Northern Ireland, was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in April last year, but was facing a long wait for a hip operation until the clinical team stepped in and spoke to his Consultant.
Geoff explained, “I’ve been living with the impact of some of the things I saw in Northern Ireland for most of my adult life. I’ve always played football and not being able to play anymore was really getting me down. It was such an honour to play for the England Veterans’ team. Through the Charity I got to meet Sir Gareth Southgate in 2023, when I attended one of their sports events.
“I met a member of the clinical team at my local café session in February and when I explained my situation, they stepped in and spoke to the surgeon's secretary and I’ve now had my operation. I’ll be transferring to the England Walking Football team when I’ve finished my rehab – and I can’t wait.”
Geoff is a regular attendee at the cafe session, which is held monthly in Mossley. He says it’s an opportunity for veterans and their family members in the surrounding area to get together with like-minded people, have a chat and a cup of tea, and find out about the support available for people who have served.
Danielle Vyse is part of the clinical team supporting veterans across the North West and she says that Geoff is a real inspiration. She said, “He does so much for the local community as a volunteer – helping out at the Veterans Food Company charity, with different City in the Community initiatives and a local lunch club for over 60s who live on their own. As a veteran myself, it's great to see him being able to get back to something he loves."
I’d say come along to a local session – it could make a real difference.”
Army Veteran
Geoff added, “For any veterans out there who are struggling with physical, mental or welfare issues, or maybe they’re feeling a bit isolated, I’d say come along to a local Help for Heroes session – it could make a real difference.”