A GRATEFUL veteran who found “light at the end of the tunnel” following a battle with depression has issued a heartfelt thanks to generous charity donors.

Brendan Gordon, from Colchester, greeted a group of firm Help for Heroes supporters at Chavasse VC House, a recovery centre for injured veterans.

Regular supporters and those who have left a gift in their will are invited to the centre every year to see the impact of their donations and to meet the people who inspire their support.

Brendan, who served as an Army medic on active tours of Kosovo and Northern Ireland, gave a presentation to the visitors, sharing his personal experiences.

In 2010, the veteran suffered a violent stroke which took away the use of his right arm, resulting in a medical discharge in 2012.

He said: “I’m right handed and so that was it for me.

“I tried to take my own life soon after it happened because I just couldn’t see a future. Life wasn’t worth living.” Brendan turned his life around by seeking help at the recovery centre, which supports veterans who have suffered mental and physical trauma.

He previously worked as practice manager at the Colchester Garrison medical centre and now works at a gym in the town.

He added: “It is difficult to put into words what people’s donations mean.”

“Thank God for help for Heroes - I feel reborn again.

“There is now light at the end of the tunnel and I just wish I had walked into the centre sooner.

“I would like to thank those people who kindly give money.

“Thank you just doesn’t seem enough, but it is the only way I can put it.”

Chavasse VC House has an adaptive gym, a support hub featuring multiple charities, a psychological well-being suite, bedrooms, family rooms and a creative studio.

It also features an award-winning reflective garden, funded by a campaign supported by the Gazette.

Staff encourage struggling servicemen and women to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives while supporting their loved ones.

Steve Schollar, head of recovery at the centre, said: “Our regular givers and those who remember us in their will are so important to the charity.

“Their generosity, commitment and forethought lays the foundation on which we can build plans for the future; and plans to supply sustainable and long-term support to our beneficiaries – wherever and whenever they serve.”