Michael Gearon, who lives in Swindon Old Town, served all over the world in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. He is now in poor health and needs a cylinder of oxygen by his side to help his breathing. In addition, his wife suffered a haemorrhage some time ago and finds it difficult to cope. Although the Social Services installed a stair lift to enable them to reach their bedroom and bathroom, the shower upstairs badly needed repairing.

SSAFA not only was able to obtain funding from the Civil Service Benevolent Fund and the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society to complete the repairs to the shower, but also obtained a small annuity from the Shipwrecked Mariners Society to supplement their modest income. A donation from another charity paid for a much-needed holiday in Weymouth for the elderly couple last September.

Mr Gearon commented: “ We are both truly grateful for the help we’ve received. The annuity has made a real difference and the holiday was the first we’d been able to enjoy for many years. SSAFA does wonderful work, which we much appreciate.”