When a former Royal Marine from Cornwall got in touch with Royal Marines Association’s Central Office team asking for details of the nearest RMA Branch so he could join for some much-needed Bootneck camaraderie and moral support, little did we know just how this initial call would end so sadly – just 12 weeks’ later.
Rod had recently had a stroke and he was not only feeling particularly isolated but was struggling to cope with limited access to help him manage the situation he was in.
Our Welfare & Grants team was alerted and quickly called him to see if there was anything that RMA – The Royal Marines Charity could do to help, only to hear the sad news from his wife that Rod had been admitted back to hospital after suffering multiple mini-strokes (TIAs).
Three weeks’ later, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. His prognosis was not good and he was given only three months to live. Ever practical, Rod became concerned about future funeral costs however was comforted to know that the Charity was there to consider giving some assistance when and if and needed.
Just two and a half weeks’ later, Rod sadly passed away.
The team immediately contacted SSAFA to arrange a local caseworker to visit Rod’s widow and complete a grant application towards the costs of the funeral.
The application was successful. RMA – The Royal Marines Charity awarded a £2,000 grant that allowed his family and fellow Bootnecks who attended from RMA Cornwall Branch, to give Rod the funeral he so deserved after his loyal service with the Corps.
Rod’s emotional widow later called – ‘All I can say is “thank you so much”…’