Hi Richie,
Hope you are well on the road to recovery and things are ok. Can you send Spence all my best he's a really good bloke used to be in room next to him in Ballykelly.
Take care mate
Chris 31
Printable View
Hi Richie,
Hope you are well on the road to recovery and things are ok. Can you send Spence all my best he's a really good bloke used to be in room next to him in Ballykelly.
Take care mate
Chris 31
Hi again,
[B]For Ritchie.[/B Missed you Tue, you were 'gongking'.
However, I'm a little concerned regarding Lcpl Sam's statement reference his family's financial state, which restricts their visits.
I propose to visit next Tue (Mon being Bank Holiday).
In the meantime, however, can I ask you Ritchie, to speak to Lcpl Sam regarding the hardship of his family's visits. If they are experiencing financial hard times, I will certainly help with the re-imbursement of their travelling costs.
I have properties in Solihull, one 3 bedroomed currently unoccupied. I can accommodate Sam's family, he will have to give me numbers, at no cost: I'm a 23rd thorough bread, however, it will have to be self catering.
My Wife (Verna) will provide all bedding, linen, sheets and toiletries plus a shoulder to lean on.
Outside of self catering, everyone will be invited back to my place, Ritchie and Spence included, I will provide transport, for a "Chin Wag", "Scoff", "Social" and a "Rugby de-brief".
gerry i just read your last post , i don't know you but would be proud to , you sound one hell of a guy . three cheers from me mate and keep up the great work you are so obviousely doing well done
May I thank each and everyone who is visiting the hospital and keeping an eye on our lads, there are no adequate words to describe this sort of support. In the event that any one is destined for the BLESMA home in Blackpool, please let me know as I live in Fleetwood and know the Manageress there very well, so visiting is not a problem. Keep up the good work and pass on my best wishes to all in Selly Oak.
It is nearly the 40th Anniversary of my leaving Aden and I have personal knowledge of the Middle East, its harsh environment and peoples.
Best Regards
Gerry your a Star its knowing that guys like you are around to help when the need arises, you make me feel so proud to of served with such a fine Royal Welchman as yourself ! although our paths never crossed once a Welchman always a Welchman
Take care great work Gerry you and your good wife
Barry
Gerry your a star. I will look into the financial hard times of Sam's family and see what is being done at a Regimental HQ level.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerrycc943
Best regards
Mat
Hi again,
Having experienced a pretty turbulent week, in my own life, I haven't been able to visit Selly Oak, I do, however, keep in touch on the phone. The Footie this week has occupied most minds at the hospital so I don't think I will have been missed!!
I do, however, ring the wards daily to enquire as to how our lads are doing. The Staff all know me now as results of my visits, and to date, no immediate problems identified.
I had intended to visit this evening, Rang the ward first, I've learned the lesson to check first, only to be told that Catherine Jenkins was a VIP visitor to our "Boyos" , the Welch(sh) in particular - a hard act to follow , so I reverted to the ever reliable Mobile, texting and voicemail. Sitrep as follows:
Ritchie is on the Forum Anyway.
Spence.
Spoke to Mrs Toni . She wishes to thank , on behalf of, not only herself, Spence's mother and all those who have made a valuable contribution to the well being and speedy recovery for Spence.
Went one step further, having spoke to Toni, land line, she wishes to join our forum. Gave her all the details regarding loggin in etc. She's quite overwhelmed, actually, with the support that she has received from all the RW Regiments and overcome with the RW assistance that she has recieved to date.
Lcpl Sam. 2nd Bn
This is the lad that concerns me, having e-mailed him, sent texts with no reply. I am however paying him a visit tomorrow (Fri) and will keep the forum updated accordingly.
My generous offer of accn, albeit self catering, still applies to anyone with restricted visitation problems, whilst I still have a 3 bedroom property on the market! (At no cost).
If anybody out there who knows Sam and would like to give him a message, come thru me as follows:
Mobile 1: 07932829502
Mobile 2: 07979013605
E-mail: ggcc43@blueyonder.co.uk
Ggerrycc43@supanet.com
popped into see ritchie yesterday afternoon on the way back from brecon,ritchie is in a bit of dis comfort but in good spirit after his free fall thanks to the steps in the millenium stadium last week,had a nice surprise when i accidently bumped into catherine jenkins who was visiting the ward very nice i must say,ritchie is dissapointed that he is missing the comrades weekend and now is aiming his sights at next years
Hi again,
Had intended to visit Selly Oak today but got a little bogged down, I seem to have a buyer for my vacant 3 Bedroom. Did, however, phone Spence on his mobile, details of conversation as follows:
1st Bn (Ritchie).
Ruth is now back from Cyprus and back into the Hospital Family flats. Didn't speak to Ritchie but Spence is in the next bed to him and assures us that he is ok.
2nd Bn (Lcpl Sam).
Going home tomorrow for the weekend. Wishes to express his thanks to all you well wishers out there!
REME (Spence).
In good form, his wife (Toni) is still accommodated at the Hospital Family flats. His children are coming up tommorrow, for the weekend, and he was quite thrilled and excited at the prospect!
I have, however, arranged with Spence for a visit Mon evening, visiting; 1830 - 2030hrs. Spence is keen to become a forum member, alas, the info that I passed to Toni last Friday might have been mis-translated by text. See what I can do Mon evening. Any messages for the boys, please let me have them before Mon lunchtime.
POST SCRIPT.
In the Birmingham Mail this evening is a smashing coloured photo of Ritch with Katherine Jenkins. I have already written to the Mail Editor, asking for a glossary photograph that Ritchie can frame. Who knows, they might might even frame it for him, he is after all a war veteran!! Will keep you informed accordingly.
Being the amateur PC sleuth, have attempted, with no success, to place the photograph on the Forum Site. Can anyone at the top guide me through the procedure? Failing this, I am prepared to send the photograph to Bob or Al, perhaps they may even give the photograph an appropriate caption!
Hi again,
Having to juggle my vists around the sporting calendar, Rugby, Cricket and Football etc, visited Selly Oak this evening at 1830hrs.
1st Bn
Ritchie wasn't on the Ward when I arrived, he was over at the Families Flats with Ruth.
I was informed by a member of the nursing staff that he could be leaving for Cyprus in a day or two - possibly tommorrow!
2nd Bn
Lcpl Sam was asleep when I visited. He had apparently returned, from his weekend at home, slightly fragile and a little overhung! Good for him.
REME Att 2nd Bn
Spence greeted me with good news in as much as he may well be moving to Hadley Court on 25 Sep.
His wife, Toni, has returned to Tidworth as his little boy is now back in School. He will be going home Friday on a weekend pass.
For Hingey. He did say that he was going to phone you.
Visits
CO 2nd Bn visited both Lcpl Sam and Spence last week.
REME Staff Officer visited Spence last week and reassured him that any domestic or financial issues he had would be taken care of by the REME Welfare Association, allaying all Spence's concerns! Pretty comforting eh!!
Bye for now,
I have never meet you Gerry, but nice one mate.
rog
Hi again,
Whilst attending a RRW Association Meeting this afternoon, took time out to speak to the Selly Oak Mil Wing, ref our in-patients.
All mobiles were off, so I had to go through the Wards. Plenty of good news as follows:
a. Ritchie and Ruth have returned to Cyprus. Didn't get a chance to say farewell, however, good luck for the future to you both.
b. Spence goes on sick leave tomorrow (Thu). He will not be going back to Selly Oak, after a well earned convalescence, he is scheduled to move to Hadley Court on 29 Sep.
c. Lcpl Sam (2RW). My only casualty to visit. Spoke to Sam this afternoon regarding visits. Have invited him and any family visitors to spend his weekend at my place, transport provided. If he accepts, who knows, perhaps another hangover!!
Hi,
As a result of the Rugby & Footbal evening fixtures, visited Selly Oak this afternoon to see Lcpl Sam, 2RW.
He's in good form, apart from an infection picked up, which has resulted in him being placed in an isolation cubicle, still on Ward S4.
He was gasping for a fag when I got there, however, he only smokes roll ups and, unfortunately, the hospital shop does not sell tobacco or cigarette papers. Informed Sam that I will do what I can to meet his needs.
If any of his chums intend visiting, a composite pack of Golden Virginia and Rizla papers would be better recieved than grapes or fruit etc!!
Sam has asked me to convey his thanks and appreciation to those who work within the welfare and service engine room who have been most generous during his time of need. Well Done to all you lads behind the scenes, unsung heroes even, for the comfort and reassurance that you offer and apply to the families of our service personnel who are engaged in the current conflict.
I'll be visiting again lunchtime Fri. So any messages that you might have, please let me have them ASP and I will convey them accordingly.
Sam does have an e-mail address. I will PM UKSniper with the e-mail details should any of sam's mates want to send him a message!
Hi,
Visited yesterday lunchtime.
Took Lcpl Sam, 2nd Bn, some Golden Virginia and Rizla papers. He's ok apart from some discomfort as a result of his wound infection. He's going on a Hospital trip to the Birmingham Bull Ring today (Sat), pm, and his sister is coming up from Cardiff to visit him tomorrow.
Another 2nd Bn admission on Thursday, a Fijian, Pte Ben ********** (GSW). I'll PM his surname to UK Sniper and those who need to know. He's single and doesn't expect to be at Selly Oak very long before moving on to rehab. We did discuss Wales's next match with Fiji on 29th and I informed him that any further visits would hinge on the result!!
He doesn't have a mobile or Lap Top
I'll be visiting again on Mon or Wed next week.
Bye for now,
Hi again,
Visited this afternoon, still just the two 2nd Bn casualties on the ward.
Lcpl Sam.
He was quite talkative about his shopping trip to the Birmingham Bull Ring on Sat plus his Sister coming up from Cardiff yesterday to visit him. The infection to his wound seems to be in remission and he looks all the better for it. Indeed, his cheeks were quite rosy and he looked much better than he has on my previous visits. His main concern now is boredom setting in!! There is an Officer patient on the ward (Maj), Sam couldn't remember his name, who has organised a trip this weekend to the Chelsea V Fulham match for some of the mobile patients, Sam is going.
Pte Ben (Fijian).
Ben was more chirpy today, not too happy with the Australia V Fiji results, however. Contrary to my last chat with him, he has identified that he has a Brother serving with 2nd Bn R Anglian and another Brother who enlisted into the Black Watch, but not sure which Scottish Regt he is currently serving with. He also has a Sister married to a soldier in the RLC living in MSQs Colchester. They have all been in touch with him. He is being seen by Specialists 2morrow and expects to be on his way to Hadley Court for rehab by the weekend. If anyone on the forum is in touch with the 2nd Bn in Afghan, Ben wishes to be remembered to the members of C Coy, he misses them and is looking forward to the eventual reunion!!
Post Script.
Should any of Ben's buddies wish to send him a message, Lcpl Sam has generously offered the services of his mobile phone and his lap top (email), details can be obtained either from me or UKSniper who can PM those interested. The ward telephone No (S4) is 0121 627 8912.
Will be phoning the hospital later in the week for a sitrep and will update the forum accordingly.
Bye for now,
Hi again,
Visited this afternoon, still just the 2 X 2nd Bn in-patients.
Pte Ben was in surgery and Lcpl Sam was outside in one of the smoking bays having a fag. Tried to locate him, even on mobile, without success. As it was approaching 3.30pm, couldn't hang about - chores to do!!.
However, I am a member of the Royal Welsh Vets Forum (RRW Site) and keep them updated also. Lcpl Sam is now a forum member which makes it much easier regarding communicating with his pals and forum members.
During one of my previous threads, I mentioned Lcpl Sam gasping for a fag and the Hospital shop not selling Golden Virginia. I have explained to the 2nd Bn welfare personnel that this was in no way a criticism of the hospital or welfare staff just a quote from a statement that Lcpl Sam made to me. Indeed, the Mil patients on Wards S3 and S4 are looked after extremely well.
Will be phoning 2morrow and visiting next Wed.
SSgt Spence.
Placed previous threads on this site on The Royal Welsh Vets Forum (RRW Site). They were quite grateful as some members of the forum played Rugby with Spence and he had the unique privilege of winning the ARU Cup with both Bn's, 1 RWF and 1 RRW.
Bye for now,
Hi again,
As promised on my previous thread, phoned the ward today, after the match of course, bearing in mind that one of our 2bn in-patients is Fijian!!
However, Lcpl Sam was away on his day out to watch the Chelsea V Fulham match. Pte Ben, after his surgery yesterday, is now in the Alex Transit ward and will be either discharged to barracks or transferred to rehab on Mon. Will know more on Mon morning and will update the forum accordingly.
Bye for now,
Hi again,
Down to one 2nd Bn in-patient now (Lcpl Sam).
Pte Ben (The Jammy Fijian) has been dischared on sick leave, possibly three weeks, but then has to return to Selly Oak Out Patients for re-assessment.. Hospital staff wouldn't disclose his leave address details but I'm more than confident that he will shortly appear in the 2nd Bn system!!.
Lcpl Sam. Informed by hospital staff that he's doing ok, enjoyed his day trip last Sat to watch the Cheslea V Fulham match. Doesn't answer my calls or messages, however, he's now a member of the the 2nd Bn forum and able to communicate with his chums and up-date the forum accordingly.
Bye for now,
I think your job is now done Gerry. Many thanks for your efforts these last few months.
Your updates have been appreciated by the forum members.:spinny:
Just to enhance Al's words, WELL DONE! Gerry, you done us proud.
BennytheBall
and
All at the Shotton and Deeside Branch RWFCA
Hello Gerry,
I would like to thank you both on a personal level and for the Bridgend & District Branch Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association (and by definition all serving and former members)for all your good work re Selly Oak. I have never met you to the best of my knowledge, but you are to be congratulated on your efforts to bring comfort and help to these men wounded whilst on active service. You are indeed a true gentleman and these are few and far between these days.Please keep up the good work.Many thanks from all in south Wales, If I am not being presumptuous.
Regards "Don" aka RBD
Hello Anita,
The members of the executive committee Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association agreed to a sum of money to be put in the melting pot for benevolence. This was matched by our officers, and I believe the Welsh done the same and matched our input pound for pound.So money should be available and the secretaries of both associations must be aware of this.. I have sent you a private e mail on this subject for your perusal. I do appreciate your concerns and magnanimous offer to help fund any short fall, very good of you and I am sure a ground swell of similar offers would be forth coming from like minded people such as your good self. I and many others are firmly of the opinion that all these men wounded in action should not suffer from a shortage of funds. and every effort must be made by all concerned to see that they and their familieis get the best and only the best.
Regards "Don" aka RBD
I agree Don they must have whatever is needed when its needed, without the indignity of bended knees. I just hope they are not too proud to ask for the help they need either for themselves or their families.
Take care
Anita x
Hi,
Thank you all for your kind words. I'm quite sure, however, that should the occasion have arisen,and being RW, you would all have done the same.
Al has pointed out that my job is now done. We do, however, still have young Lcpl Sam, 2nd Bn, at Selly Oak, who I have been monitoring and updating the RRW forum accordingly. He's been away this weekend on sick leave, returning tonight, and the Ward Sister informs me that he will probably be discharged next Fri to Rehab at Headley Court - then it will be job done!
Bye for now, and once again, thank you all for your kind words!
Hi again,
Contrary to my last thread, as advised by the Ward Sister, Lcpl Sam, 2nd Bn, wasn't considered for release to Headley Court today and, instead, has gone on weekend sick leave.
Having spoken with the Ward Sister today, however, she is more than confident that with the progress Sam is making, he will be on his way to Headley Court rehab by next weekend.
Bye for now,
Hi,
Rugby over, good result, now down to business.
Haven't been able to get to Selly Oak, however, spoke to the Ward Sister this afternoon.
The transfer of Lcpl Sam, 2nd Bn, to Headley Court has been put on hold with no target date as yet.
He is, however, well and for the info of his mates, is a member of the RRW Forum, www.royalwelshveterans.co.uk, user name Sam, should you wish to keep in touch.
Will be in touch with the Ward next week , Mon or Tue, will update the forum accordingly.
Bye for now,
Hi again,
Visited Selly Oak today, courtesy of my son.
The proposed transfer of Lcpl Sam, 2nd Bn, to Headley Court has again been put on hold and he is currently on sick leave, I should have phoned first, but, being in the area, popped in!
Propose to visit him next week, on his return, and will keep you info'd.
Bye for now,
Hi,
Good news,
Lcpl Sam, 2nd Bn, has now been discharged from Selly Oak on sick leave. On completion of sick leave, will proceed to Headly Court for rehab.
We now have a clean sheet at Selly Oak, let's hope it stays that way!
Bye for now,
Hi again,
Visiting a Legion Member chum of mine at Selly Oak on Wed.
Do we have anyone at the Hospital? If so, grateful for details.
Bye for now,
Has anyone on here been to visit Cpl Dan Sheen lately? or anyone about to go and visit? if so please pass on our regards from everyone in A Coy and FSG 2 who were with him when it happened and are still out in Afghanistan. We wish him well, and hope he is making a good recovery. As soon as we touch down in Cyprus I know there will be alot of his mates including myself that will be eager to go over and see him!
PS: Who ever see's him before me can you please pass on my apoligies for banging the Vector door on his head when we were trying to fit his 6ft 4 body into the back of the vehicle!
Cheers Bean
Alright Bean myself and John Currie are waiting for the all clear to go visit Dan we know that his family want a bit more time to get use to whats happened,as soon as we get the heads up we will go visit him and pass on your regards mate, will let you know when we get the green light mate,stay safe mate tell the boys i say hi and remember stay low and move fast:cool:
Nice one Bean, :spinny: That's what I miss...........the humourQuote:
Originally Posted by Bean10
Bean Its Mat Mortars Here Ive Got A Flight From Cyprus For The Weekend To Go And See Dan Will Be Staying In Mess In Lichfield And Will Hopfully See Him A Few Times Over The Weekend Will Pass On Info To Scorch Who Is In The Uk So U Can Have A Full And Updated Sitrep On Him He Has Phoned Me A Few Times And Seemes To Be Very Upbeat And His Normal Lively Character (thats Dan) Considering What He Has Gone Through Will Post On Tuesday 18 When I Get Back
Hi Bean,
Have been off the forum for a while, and just picked up your thread.
As an Ex WO2 Chief Clerk RWF, living 3 miles from Selly Oak Hospital, I was quite happy to give up a considerable amount of my time, and offer up my services to visit and update the forum accordingly.
I was, however, made aware that only Military Designated Welfare Officer visits were appropriate, and I was (SNLR).
Good Luck mate, as I have already said, I'm only 3 miles from the Hospital and if you're ever in need and I can help, send me a PM,
Yours,
hi all, went to selly oak to see dan with scorch on the weekend 15/16 march and very happy to be able to see dan since he deployed to afghan i would like to say it is absouloutly amazing how cheerful and upbeat dan is about the whole situation. before walking in myself and scorch were a bit hesitant (dan is a very close friend and we are all emotional people) however this was not the case he was very jovial and full of the normal humour that we would expect of dan in our normal day to day working life. even asking if he can instruct on the upcoming mortar cadre in april may. carol his wife is still at the hospital tending his needs and somtimes theres a glint in his eye when she is running around for him.
dan went in for some more surgery on sat after a delay from fri and am waiting for carol to give us a ring to let us know how he is.
bean i am going to phone dan today so will post some more news later on in the day
i would just like to say that dan is an inspiration to all with his still strong sense of being his humour and his whole out look on what has happened well done mate hopfully see you again soon mat
Hi Matt and all Forum Members'
Just a quick note to let you all know that Mr Fred Marks (Branch Member of the Shotton & Deeside Branch RWFCA) ex 2nd Bn RWF went to see Danny yesterday afternoon 2 Apr 08 at Selly Oak Hospital (Fred only lives a couple of miles from the hospital) after 1st contacting the hospital. Danny was "over the moon" that a Comrade from the RWF had come to visit him. Fred says that Danny is in very good spirits and his injuries are healing very well, he told Fred that he hopes to be moved to Headley Court very soon. Fred will pay him another visit on Saturday afternoon and hopefully take him out to the pub for a drink (Danny is allowed out for acouple of hours at a time).
Fred has given a report to Major Arthur Ellingham.
Our Branch wishes Danny a speedy recovery.
Many Thanks for that jesture Fred.
Best Regards
BennytheBall 1
Hi All This Is Carol Sheen Here I Am Currently In Cyprus Just Finalising Things Here For My Permanent Move Back To Chester To Be With Dan And Would Like To Give You All An Update Whilst Iam Here Dan Had His Op On Tuesday It All Went Well Hopefully That Is It For Now Dan Is Hoping To Go 2 Headley By The 22nd Of This Month We Now Hav A House In Chester Dan Has Been Aloud 2 Visit It He Is Very Happy With It He Is Still Doing Really Well And Is Still Remaining Upbeat The Nurses All Love Him And He Gets As Much Care From Them As From Me Lol Although Dan Still Has A Long Way 2 Go We R Looking Forward 2 Having A Party When We All Back Home So Keep Safe And We Will See All U Back Soon Dan Is Now Able 2 Get Out 4 Abit So We Hav Been 2 The Local Pubs And Dan Is Happy 2 Taste His 1st Pint In A While U Will All Be Glad 2 Here Well Look After Yourselfs