Liverpool veteran raises over £1,000 for charity that saved his life

A Liverpool veteran has raised more than £1,000 for Tom Harrison House, the city’s addiction treatment centre for veterans, after it helped him turn his life around.

Liverpool Veteran Rick Hall once struggled with trauma, addiction and homelessness, and at his lowest point attempted to take his own life. But with the support of The Block Armed Forces Foundation and Tom Harrison House, Rick was able to rebuild his future — and now he’s giving back to the charities that supported him.

The Block is a grassroots organisation run by veterans for veterans. Since launching in 2020, it has provided emergency accommodation, food, workshops, retreats and support to countless ex-forces personnel in need. It was here that Rick found a lifeline, before being referred to Tom Harrison House in January 2023 to take part in its 12-week rehabilitation programme.

Rick said: “I’m lucky to still be here and it’s thanks to Colin, The Block and Tom Harrison House that I am. The programme helped me face deep-rooted issues and reprogram my beliefs and triggers. It hasn’t been easy, but I finally feel free to be the best version of me.”

Now two years on, Rick is a peer mentor at Tom Harrison House, supporting other veterans who are going through the same struggles he once faced. To raise money for the charity, he recently walked 84 miles along Hadrian’s Wall — completing the challenge in just four days, including an incredible 44-mile trek on the final day.

During the walk, Rick carried two flags representing Tom Harrison House and Climb 2 Recovery, another veterans charity that has helped him discover a new passion for climbing. He has since completed training courses and is now working towards becoming a qualified Rock Climbing Instructor.

Rick said: “I want to show other veterans it’s possible to turn your life around. These organisations save lives and my fundraising will help them keep doing that.”

The Block Armed Forces Foundation continues to provide vital services for veterans in Merseyside and beyond, while Tom Harrison House remains the UK’s only addiction recovery centre exclusively for veterans, reservists, emergency services and their families.

To support other veterans like Rick, donate here.

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