Jane Weller

This walk is our way of saying thank you.

In one month’s time, I’ll be taking part in the SSAFA 13 Bridges Walk across London with members of my family. We’ll be walking across 13 bridges along the Thames, from Tower Bridge to Battersea Bridge, to raise money for a charity that changed our lives many years ago.

Back in the late 1980s, the father of my children, John, was working at ITN House in London when he contracted Legionnaires’ disease during the outbreak linked to BBC. At first, nobody knew what was wrong with him. By the time doctors discovered the cause, he was critically ill and in intensive care.

The infection had caused devastating complications. John lost almost all movement and function, and for weeks we didn’t know if he would survive. We had two very young children aged four and two, and suddenly our whole world changed overnight.

John spent six weeks in intensive care and many more weeks on a hospital ward. When the hospital eventually decided he was ready to come home, I completely broke down. We lived in a second-floor flat with no lift, he only had half a lung functioning properly, and I had no idea how we were going to cope.

One wonderful nurse asked if John had ever served in the armed forces. He had served in the Army, and through that connection we were introduced to SSAFA.

They were absolutely incredible.

SSAFA arranged for John to spend six months at a military rehabilitation home in Rustington, Sussex, where he slowly regained strength and independence. They supported us emotionally and financially at a time when we had gone from a comfortable self-employed income to surviving on Income Support. They even helped provide little treats and outings for our children during an incredibly difficult period.

Quite simply, we don’t know how we would have managed without them.

John’s health and personality were permanently affected by his illness, and eventually our relationship ended, although we have remained close friends ever since.

This walk is our way of saying thank you.

Taking part will be myself, my eldest child, my two oldest grandchildren, and a dear friend. John won’t be walking with us because he still struggles physically, but this is every bit as much for him as it is for the rest of us.

If you are able to sponsor us, no matter how small the amount, we would be enormously grateful. Even £5 would help us raise a wonderful amount for a charity that has helped so many military families when they needed it most.

And just as importantly, I want people to know that charities like SSAFA are there. Sometimes you simply need someone to help you find a way forward.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, sharing, or cheering us on.