Supporting Our Heroes
Double amputee, Stuart Robinson, who was injured in Afghanistan, was one of the first military patients whose family stayed at Fisher House after it was opened by HM The King on 21 June 2013, whilst he was still HRH The Prince of Wales.
Stuart’s family were looked after by the welcoming staff at Fisher House, a home away from home for military personnel and their families, while he was treated just a short walk away at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for 10 months.
Paralympian Stuart's Story
"In February 2013 my wife got that dreaded knock at the door. I was severely injured in an IED explosion whilst on my fourth deployment in Afghanistan.
"The explosion resulted in the immediate loss of my left leg and seriously damaged my left arm and leg. I was quickly flown to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where I took the difficult decision to also have my right leg amputated.
"My world had turned upside down. My family were across the country and rushed to be by my side. With my jaw being wired shut, I was desperate to show my wife that I was ok and see that she was ok.
"Thankfully, they were able to stay at Fisher House, just five minutes from the hospital and visit whenever they wanted. I wouldn’t have got through my injury without my family. I can’t thank Fisher House enough for looking after them so well.
"During those difficult early days in my recovery, Fisher House gave me and my family a place to escape. It was our sanctuary, our bubble, our safe haven.
"My wife would come to the hospital and push me over to Fisher House in my wheelchair. The house allowed us to have space, away from the hospital, to try and wrap our heads round our new life and come to terms with my injuries. I was able to play with my little boy in a place that felt like a real home. My mates in the military were also able to visit and helped me piece together my memories of the attack to try and work past it.
"Family is everything to me, knowing that they were safe in Fisher House and being looked after, allowed me to focus on my recovery. The highlight of my days would be my little boy coming over for cuddles on my hospital bed.
"This is my story. But there have been thousands of military families over the last 10 years with their own stories, and Fisher House has been there through it all. I know all of us want to say a huge thank you for theirs support when the worst happens. It is so important to ensure Fisher House is there for other families in the future.
"It costs £40 to fund a night’s stay for a military family in their time of need. Will you join me in supporting Fisher House?"
To support future military families in their time of need: