BEFORE YOU GO
An Ealing-based
organisation that supports
permanently injured and
psychologically scarred
former military personnel
by organising trips
and activities for them
has been backed by
Ealing Council.
M
Road to
recovery
otorsport Endeavour was
set up 10 years ago, in
2008, by Ealing resident
Graham Raphael.
It relies entirely on contributions
from the public and donations from
organisations and companies. It
works with charities such as
Combat Stress and Help for
Heroes and with veterans
who are struggling to
adjust to their new
circumstances, back
personnel
in civilian life with an
damaged in
injury to contend with.
mind or body.”
Post-traumatic stress
Graham Raphael with
Several
disorder (PTSD) is not
Julian Bell
regimental ties
uncommon, either.
have been sent to
From blinded veterans
Mr Raphael in tribute to
driving rally cars to badly
the work he has done with veterans –
wounded soldiers doing go-karting,
a rare honour. A typical testimonial from
those taking part make lifelong
an injured veteran sent to him reads:
friendships and build their confidence.
“I used to be such a proud, strong
man but this horrible condition has
‘MUCH IS SNATCHED AWAY
changed me and taken so much of my
THROUGH INJURY’
confidence from me. The experience on
Mr Raphael said: “Much is snatched
the day made me feel my confidence
away through injury and, frequently,
growing with every lap I completed and
independence and determination are
for that I thank you with all my heart.”
replaced by a lack of self-confidence.
Through participation in the car-related
THE NEXT BIG ONE
activities of Motorsport Endeavour, the
The group’s next big excursion will
aim is to help the recovery of service
30
around ealing October 2018
take a group of injured ex-personnel
to France in November. Council leader
Julian Bell has pledged a contribution
of £2,000 towards the cost of the trip.
Councillor Bell said: “The work
Graham does through Motorsport
Endeavour clearly makes a huge
difference to the former armed
forces personnel who take part in its
activities and some of the testimonials
he has received are very moving.
Ealing Council signed an Armed
Forces Community Covenant in 2013
committing us to providing support to
military personnel in the borough, and
I am pleased we were able to help with
Motorsport Endeavour’s latest project.”
Read the full story at
ealingnewsextra.co.uk/
features/motorsport-lifeline