Charity Land Rover pull at Dollingstown

AA Veterans Support is a Northern Ireland based charity set up to provide help and support for Veterans and their families across Northern Ireland.

Ranger Andy Allen was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) in 2008 whilst on tour in Afghanistan. The force of the horrific blast lifted him off the ground and tore off his right leg it also burnt his corneas, leaving Andy blind. For seven weeks Andy was kept sedated while surgeons worked to remove the dirt from his wounds and fought to keep them infection free. Ten days after he was brought in they were forced to amputate his other leg. Not only has Andy had to learn to walk again, he also had to adjust to losing his sight.

Although an operation has restored some vision, his world remains blurred and distorted, he says this has been his biggest challenge. Several years on, Andy has identified a number of issues where support for veterans living in Northern Ireland does not meet their need. With the help of a number of ex-servicemen and women,

Andy has created his own Veterans charity, responding to the needs of Veterans and their families living in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to the Mail this week AAVS Craigavon Coordinator, Lexi Davidson said, “Since I first met Andy I have been in awe of the bravery that this young man has shown in the face of adversity, and continues to show. His selfless devolution to his fellow veterans and their families should be an inspiration to us all.”

“The charity hopes that in the near future they will be in the position to establish and maintain a state of the art respite, treatment and training centre fit to provide the services necessary to support the increasing numbers of veterans and their families needing access to such a service in Northern Ireland.”