“The Fund gave me my life back”

Corporal Chris Platts joined the RAF in 2009 and served as a Personnel Support Clerk, with postings at Lossiemouth, Northolt, Cranwell, Coningsby and Belgium, as well as a deployment to Al Minhad Air Base in 2014. 

In 2018, when he suffered a spinal injury leading to surgery and chronic pain, RAF life became increasingly difficult. Because of his injury, Chris moved to RAF Cranwell from his posting in Belgium. However, due to the unexpected move, his wife had no job to come back to, and money became a huge worry on just one salary. 

For RAF serving personnel and their families, the ever-changing nature of service can mean that they need to start their lives again, sometimes at short notice. This can have a huge impact, not just on their finances, but also on their mental health and the stability of their entire family. A family can go from feeling settled and happy to having to rebuild their whole life; finding new careers, new schools, and forming new connections within their community. For everyone involved, it can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience. 

After a 14-year RAF career and years of trying to serve with a serious injury, Chris was medically discharged in 2024. On top of the constant physical challenges he was facing, Chris was plunged into a world which felt completely unfamiliar, having been so used to his life in the RAF. The struggles of adapting to civilian life had a devastating effect.
“After years of trying to push through, I had to admit defeat. Being discharged felt heartbreaking – the RAF had been my life, my family. I didn’t know what was next.”

When Chris’ mental health began to deteriorate, he reached out. “I was in a really dark place,” said Chris, adding, “I was suicidal. But thanks to the support of people like you, I got counselling within weeks, not months. That support probably saved my life.”

The Fund’s counselling gave Chris the space and tools to process his experiences so he could begin to rebuild his life. He also received funding towards a resettlement course to train as a celebrant, a step that helped him regain confidence and purpose after leaving the Service.

Chris said: “The help came exactly when I needed it. The counselling gave me the strength to face things, and the course helped me start thinking about the future again.”

Chris credits the Fund – and your generosity – for helping him through the toughest chapter of his life.
“Without your support, I honestly don’t think I’d be here today. You gave me hope, confidence, and the chance to be a better husband and dad. I can’t thank you enough.”