Veteran credits model group for changing his life

The Telford group celebrated its second year earlier this week

Model making groups in Telford have been credited with changing the lives of former and current armed forces and emergency service personnel.

Gary Morris, 61, who served in the RAF for 23 years, said his life had improved since meeting Malcolm Childs, founder of the charity Models for Heroes.

He said he did not go out following two strokes and severe depression, but being part of the group really helped him.

The Leegomery Models for Heroes group celebrated its second anniversary on Tuesday.

Mr Morris, from Telford, was an air traffic controller before strokes in 2015 and 2016 meant he had to give up work, and he stopped leaving his home.

But after meeting Mr Childs five years ago his life started to change, one model making kit at a time.

"While we're doing this, we are not worrying about other things," Mr Morris said.

"It's great, you are out talking to other people and using your hands. It is my highlight of my week."

The groups attract people from across the region while surviving on a small budget, organisers said

Mr Morris is affectionately known as Chairforce One by other group members, referring to his organising role and career in the Royal Air Force.

Two years ago Telford and Wrekin Council used money from local councillor Pride funding to launch the sessions.

Cindy Mason-Morris, the council's armed forces partnership officer, said the groups in Telford were the only such gatherings in the West Midlands.

They attract people from across the region while surviving on a small budget, with kit donation coming from across the community, she added.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.