Ex-soldier from Doncaster urging people to take part in Remembrance Day activities from home

Lawrence Phillips joined the army at 16 but when he left he says he struggled to adapt to life back in society.

Lawrence, aged 28, from Rossington, said: “The morals are really different.

“I was used to everyone working together as a team, not selfish or sly people.

“People took advantage of that and it’s something that built up over time until I exploded.”

Lawrence’s fiance Danielle became concerned with his behaviour and encouraged him to reach out to the Royal British Legion for support.

They offered him counselling which he credits to saving his life.

“As a man I just shrugged things off as we do,” he continued.

“But things got too much and I got to the point where I had enough and I was suicidal.

“I’m not someone who would necessarily speak out about what I’m feeling but after my first session and I got it off my chest I started to feel better.”

Lawrence says that the Royal British Legion often call to check up on his mental health and have even gone the extra mile to help him with a financial issue he had.

“I took out a payday loan in 2019,” he said.

“In just three months the interest went up 400 per cent and they were sending demanding letters to my mum's address.

The Royal British Legion stepped in and helped Lawrence arrange a debt consolidation where he was able to repay the original loan.

Funding came from the annual Poppy Appeal which is why he is encouraging people to support the campaign in 2020.

He said: “This year is no different, it’s just as important as it always has been despite the pandemic.“Let’s not forget why we have a minute of silence at 11.11.”

The Royal British Legion has come up with ways for people to support their Poppy Appeal from home this year, from ordering poppies through the post to printable poppy templates. You can find out more here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.