THE mayor of Bude-Stratton Town Council has pledged his support to an event taking place in September to provide war veterans with support, escapism and safety.

At the meeting of the town council on Thursday evening, July 5, a representative of local charity Bude Surf Veterans addressed town councillors during the 15 minutes’ public speaking time.

Gary House, who served 27 years in the Royal Air Force, is passionate about providing veterans with care, support and welcoming arms.

He said: “Bude Surf Veterans is an organisation that provides military veterans help with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — some cases have been life-saving.”

Since the organisation’s establishment, they have become heavily involved with Help for Heroes and the Endeavour Fund, of which Gary was invited to the fund’s awards in January.

“In the six years since the Afghan war began, we know that surfing has made a huge difference to veterans,” Gary said. “These are people, some of which have lost two, three limbs, but are still being taught how to surf.”

The Endeavour Fund introduced Op SURF, an American event allowing wounded, injured and sick veterans to escape the trauma they suffer on a daily basis, learn a new skill and be supported by professional surfers and other former veterans. Two years ago, the Op SURF event was introduced to the UK. This year, it will come to North Cornwall.

“I know that the place this event should be held is Bude,” Gary continued, met with a quiet cheer from councillors. “So on September 15, this event will take place in Bude. I have booked all the accommodation, restaurants for lunches and more — it’s going to be an amazing week, where approximately 55 people will come together.

“These veterans have a variety of physical and mental injuries. I have served 27 years in the air force, so I know just how important this event is to these people. The bottom line is, this year in Bude, 15 guys and girls will be coming, along with other former veterans and supporters, making up around 55 people.”

Claiming that the charity was not looking for funding, Gary addressed mayor Cllr Bob Willingham and suggested that he put on an afternoon tea for the veterans, or a letter from the town council be produced, to show support to the town’s visitors for September.

“For people with PTSD, they want a comfort blanket, not a load of strangers coming up to them,” he said. “It really is remarkable. We would just like some practical support.”

In response, Cllr Willingham said: “I have been involved in this before — it seemed to get very big, and then disappeared for a while, so I’m very pleased to see that it is coming back.”

Gary added: “I absolutely get what this does for ex-servicemen. Our group is the UK expert in helping veterans.”

Cllr Willingham added: “I’ve seen the results and seen how positive this is. As mayor, I would be quite happy to host an afternoon tea. Please do let me know if you need anything from me.”

For more information about Bude Surf Veterans, visit www.budesurfveterans.co.uk.

To find out more about Op SURF 2018, visit www.endeavourfund.co.uk/future-endeavours/op-surf-2018.