Heather Lake recounts her experience of meeting and marrying Andy while they worked together as Army Chefs. They became engaged and married within six months. Heather had noticed indications of Andy's mental health issues from the start. Andy had completed tours in Northern Ireland and Bosnia prior to meeting Heather. During his tour in Bosnia, Andy sustained injuries from a building collapse, leading to his discharge from the kitchen he was working in at the time. Heather describes one significant event that occurred while Andy was changing his daughter's nappy, resulting in social services removing him from contact with his daughter for 18 months. Andy received an official diagnosis of PTSD only a few years ago and experienced physical decline after his injuries. He is now often confined to a wheelchair. Heather anticipates that an upcoming operation might improve their situation. Heather found support through the Band of Sisters, which she joined through Andy, a member of the Band of Brothers. This group offered her a sense of community and non-judgement. Heather's story reflects dedication and commitment to her family’s happiness. The Band of Sisters provides her with the support she needs as she continues to support her family.

Content warning// This interview contains discussions of sensitive topics such as PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts which some viewers may find distressing. If you are affected by these topics, please consider seeking support from a trusted person or organisation.

Louise Reynolds has been married to Chris Reynolds for 20 years, sharing a life shaped by his service in the infantry as a rifleman and ambulance driver. Originally from Doncaster, Chris served three tours, working gruelling shifts and long days. His deployment to Iraq during Operation Telic was particularly harrowing, with limited resources and intense danger. In one instance, he saved a fellow soldier who lost his arm in an accident. Meanwhile, Louise entered military life with a romanticised vision of adventure and travel, but quickly realised its reality was far different. Constant upheaval, isolation, and the loss of her own identity made Louise find solace in the close-knit community of army wives in Germany.  Chris’s return from his final tour marked the beginning of an uphill battle. Withdrawn and irritable, he struggled with PTSD. Despite the medical team’s support, the army’s dismissive attitude repeatedly undermined his recovery. Sent on a life-fire exercise in Canada despite his worsening condition, Chris called Louise in a state of distress, leading to his urgent return to the UK. Facing stigma and little support, they fought for his medical discharge after 15 years of service. Adjusting to civilian life also proved challenging. Though the Combat Stress charity provided some treatment, Louise often felt alone in managing the daily impact. She recalls Chris longing for visible scars as proof of his suffering to a world that couldn’t see his wounds. Their turning point came through Phoenix House, Band of Brothers, and Band of Sisters. Louise highlights the importance of these networks; Chris’s journey led him to speak at a school about mental health. Now, Louise, dedicates herself to fundraising for mental health initiatives, determined to ensure that other families receive similar support.