16th December 2008
New Royal Star & Garter Homes Support Young Injured Service Personnel
At their annual Snow & Ice Ball last week, The Royal Star & Garter Charity for disabled ex-Service men and women in Richmond welcomed a young disabled Royal Marine, currently being cared for at the Charity's new, state-of-the-art Care Home in Solihull.
Vice President of the Charity, Falklands veteran Simon Weston, addressed the 250 guests attending the Ball and particularly welcomed Royal Marine Dominic Lovett, who is resident at the Royal Star & Garter Home Solihull until suitable permanent accommodation can be prepared for him. Simon explained that at the new home in Solihull all residents have large en suite rooms, as well as superb modern care facilities, and this enables the Charity to offer care to young disabled Service personnel on an interim basis, as well as superb permanent nursing care for older veterans, and incorporating a specialist dementia care wing.
After the Ball Simon said, "Sadly we can't meet the changing needs of veterans and the demands of modern care at the old Richmond Home which has served us so well for 92 years, and that is why we are building new homes around the country where we can look after both young and old. Dominic was unfortunately injured during a training exercise with the Royal Marines. He is an exceptional young man and we are proud to have him stay with us until a specially adapted home is ready for him."
A second Royal Marine, shot in Afghanistan and now disabled, is due to be admitted to the Solihull Home, close to his family home in Birmingham which will be adapted to accommodate his needs.
Meanwhile the Charity is awaiting final approval by Elmbridge Council to build a new home at the Hampton Court Station site where residents currently cared for in Richmond will eventually transfer. If the new facility goes ahead, it will also be able to provide interim care for young disabled Service personnel.
"The planning committee at Elmbridge have approved the plans" said Simon, "And I hope the Full Council will endorse that decision at their meeting on the 18th December. It will be a great Christmas present for our residents at Richmond who are keen to move to their new home as soon as possible".