A former Major in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps is one of more than 40 veterans, carers, and staff from Help for Heroes, who will pay tribute to their fallen comrades in the Cenotaph march-past on Remembrance Sunday (10 November), in London.
Karen Jamieson, 60, who was originally from Wigmore, in Herefordshire, served with the Nursing Corps for 40 years – 37 years in the regulars and her last three as a reservist – and received the Associate Royal Red Cross (ARRC) from Queen Elizabeth II for her service to military nursing.
She undertook numerous postings and operational tours across the world and remains a registered general nurse, with specialties including clinical education and primary healthcare.
Karen now works for Help for Heroes as a veterans’ community nurse, working with very seriously injured (VSI) individuals, who have sustained a life-limiting physical or mental health illness or injury during, or as a result, of their service. She previously supported veterans across the Midlands and east of the country in their clinical journey.
She takes a holistic approach to her job, supporting not only the veteran but their families, as well, with regular home visits.
She said: “The role is challenging and emotional; the complexities of injuries these veterans have are heartbreaking. But, knowing and witnessing that my – and the Charity’s – involvement really makes a difference is so rewarding. Helping them thrive and enjoy life despite their often-catastrophic injuries motivates me daily.”
Unlike many of the Charity’s delegation at the Cenotaph, it is not Karen’s first such parade. This is the third time she has marched with Help for Heroes and its veterans, though it will be “my first time as a civilian”.
She explained: “As a veteran, Remembrance is the most important time. I remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and thank them for their service, but I also remember their families who have to live with loss and grief.
“It is also time to reflect on those who struggle daily with both physical and psychological trauma. I also give thanks to all the men and women who continue to serve.
“It is very emotional but remains an absolute honour to be at the Cenotaph. It is lovely being with around 10,000 veterans with a common aim: to remember. It allows time to reflect. Help for Heroes’ campaign – the Veteran’s War, with no one left behind – is so timely.
“The parade is always special, but this is the 10-year anniversary of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, so it will be especially poignant. Having served there I will remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also think of our veterans on the parade who have life-changing injuries as a result of service in Afghanistan.”
In total, 33 veterans who have been supported by the Charity, will form part of the Help for Heroes delegation at the annual parade, which sees members of the veteran community marching shoulder to shoulder in an act of remembrance along Whitehall.
A spokesman for Help for Heroes added: “As we join the nation to commemorate the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country, Help for Heroes also remembers those still fighting their own battles today.
“Karen and her colleagues remain at the side of veterans and their families who are struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation, and more – providing life-changing support for as long as it takes.”
Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The charity helps veteran families to recover and get on with their lives. Thanks to the generosity of the British public, it has already supported more than 31,000 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.
The Charity supports veteran families, from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians (and their families) who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.
n Supporting our veterans is a wonderful living tribute to the memory of the fallen. To support Help for Heroes in transforming lives, please visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate.
