by Grace Partner
A veteran who found himself on the brink of suicide has today revealed how a charity supported by the Veterans’ Foundation saved his life.
Steven Eden, who served for five years with the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, suffered with depression and suicidal thoughts – until Veterans into Logistics stepped in to help.
Veterans into Logistics is an organisation dedicated to helping former military personnel into civilian life after serving, through mentorship, training and career opportunities in HGV driving.
Steven Eden is one of the many veterans who have had their lives changed by the charity and has been able to thrive in his new career as an ASDA delivery driver.
“I was in a very low place when I left the military. I couldn’t see a way out,” said Steven, who is from Wigan.
“There were times when I thought about taking my own life. I was in a position where I couldn’t provide for my family and that was the hardest thing of all.
“I was introduced to Veterans into Logistics, and it changed my life. I was able to gain my Class 1 driver’s licence and with that, the charity helped me get a job at Asda.
“Without Veterans into Logistics, I wouldn’t be here. The charity saved my life,” added Steven.
Founded by Darren Wright, Veterans into Logistics has become vital in reducing unemployment within the veteran community.
Darren served for five years with the Royal Artillery, completing tours in Afghanistan, and was inspired to begin the organisation after the loss of his close military friend, James Doyle. Jamie sadly took his own life 12 months after leaving the military.
Since the formation in 2020, Veterans into Logistics has received nearly £200,000 in grants from the Veterans’ Foundation, and with the cost of training a single veteran costing £3,000, the funding has helped hundreds into employment.
“The Veterans’ Foundation has supported Veterans into Logistics since day one,” said Darren. “We are enormously grateful for the grants we’ve received - without them we couldn’t do what we do here.”
The Veterans’ Foundation raises the lion’s share of its money through the Veterans’ Lottery – and Darren was keen to acknowledge that support.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the players of the Veterans’ Lottery – together we are changing lives.”
The Veterans’ Foundation has provided over £25 million to more than 500 military charities since 2016 – with that money helping transform the lives of veterans like Steven Eden.
If you would like to support veterans like Steven and charities like Veterans into Logistics, please play the Veterans’ Lottery.
