Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity support Fisher House

We are so grateful of the support from the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity so that we can help support Fisher House guests like Deri.

Deri Thomson has been recieving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital following an arm injury. He talks to us about his experience of Fisher House.

What’s your name and how old are you?

My name is Deri and I’m 22.

What service area are you from and what’s your role?

I’m an AB (In the middle of the 18th century the term "able seaman" (abbreviated AB) referred to a seaman with more than two years experience at sea and considered "well acquainted with his duty". Seamen with less experience are referred to as landsmen (for the first year at sea) or ordinary seamen (for the second).

How long have you been in the Navy?

4 years

How did you come to be at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and requiring the use of Fisher House?

Last September I was out on deployment in Guam (Far East) and suffered a scaphoid break on my arm which then led to arthritis. I have so far had to have two operations on the arm which has included a bone graft. I have been staying at Fisher House around my appointments which is a huge help as I have been travelling from Kilmarnock, Scotland . I think I’ve been around 5 or 6 times since my injury.

Did you have any expectations of Fisher House?

I’d never heard of it before. It is so lovely, way above anything you would expect for accommodation to be. I was really chuffed that I was able to stay here, I joke I’d like to move in!

How have you found Fisher House?

It is a beautiful place and lovely to come and stay in around my appointments. It just makes life the whole situation so much easier. On top of it being great accommodation it has the added bonus of the Morris Centre Gym next door which I can access but in the House itself what was really good was to be able to sit down and chat with veterans who were staying there, I really enjoyed that.

Check out our social media platforms to read all about our charity supporters and Fisher House guests. Go to http://hospitalcharity.org/fisherhouseuk