Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

An ex-servicewoman from Caerphilly town has been given a new reclining chair thanks to the Royal Welsh Veterans Association.

Linda Royston, 69, served in the Royal Artillery in the 1960s and 1970s, seeing action in Northern Ireland during the height of the Troubles aged just 15, having lied about her age to get in.

However, Mrs Royston now lives alone and has mobility problems, including arthritis, and has spent time in hospital in recent months after injuring herself falling.

She said the new chair has given her “a new lease of life” and made her feel safer.

Mrs Royston was shot in the knee while in Northern Ireland, with the injury still causing discomfort, which can make getting in and out of a normal chair difficult.

She got in touch with the Caerphilly branch of the Royal Welsh Veterans Association, who were able to get her a new reclining chair.

The branch regularly held social events for veterans before the pandemic and has continued to provide help to veterans in need.

David Lancaster, of the Caerphilly branch, said: “We’re here to help people who are struggling or to put them in touch with the right people who can help.

“The group is here to make these people’s lives a little bit easier.

“Little things we can help with, that’s what we’re here for. But we’re relying on donations. Anyone who needs help can contact us.”

The branch would regularly hold bag-packing sessions at supermarkets to raise funds so it can support elderly veterans and those with disabilities, but this had to stop due to the coronavirus outbreak, meaning the branch has seen its fundraising badly hit.

John Lawrence, of the Caerphilly branch, said he first met Mrs Royston at a bus stop, where he told her about the branch.

After Mrs Royston asked Mr Lawrence for help, the branch was able to find a reclining chair for her online, paid for through donations given to the branch from the public.

Mr Lawrence said: “We’re all here to assist and help each other and to help veterans who can’t get help.”

Mrs Royston said: “I can’t thank them enough. I’ve got to fight with the cat over who can use the chair.”

Anyone who would like support from the Caerphilly branch of the Royal Welsh Veterans Association can contact David Lancaster on 07891 079872 or davidlancaster8701@tiscali.co.uk

An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to John Lawrence as “Sir John Lawrence”.