Grants Up For Grabs: Archie's Story

Archie Gemmell is a Staff Sergeant within the Royal Engineers. In 2013, his life changed forever as a result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strike whist conducting operations in Afghanistan. His injuries were life changing. His left leg required amputation, and two of his three other limbs were severely damaged by the blast.  He believes he is lucky to be alive.

Staff Sergeant Gemmell has served as a member of the British Army for 17 years. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable and professional soldiers within his regiment. He had an extremely promising career ahead of him which has been cruelly cut short.

Archie’s injuries have demanded a huge change to how he lives his life. Even basic tasks have to be relearned and modified to suit his new requirements. In 2014, Archie approached Absolute Property Services Group Ltd to adapt his current bathroom to a fully accessible wet room.

Projects like this produce a large amount of waste, which can be expensive. HIPPO were thrilled to be able to help out by providing all waste collection and disposal free of charge.

Archie still has a long road ahead of him – his rehabilitation and recovery will take years. His life however has been made substantially easier by his new wet room, and we at HIPPO are proud to have been a part of making it happen.

The ‘Grants up for Grabs’ scheme awards free waste disposal help to applications from charities, community groups and organisations from across the UK that inspire respect for the environment or have a positive effect on the community.

If you think your project might be eligible for free help from the Grants up for Grabs scheme please contact us and tell us about your project.

Read more at http://live.hippobag.sequence.co.uk/4270.aspx#qmSWs1VfMfAfpKpM.99