Getting Mobile

12 April 2021

For 23 years, Wiltshire veteran Bill Johnson served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).  He was so passionate about the job that, after retiring from active service, he went on to teach at MOD Lyneham, the home of REME.

Suffering from bad back pain, Bill had become unable to continue his work as his lack of mobility worsened and he was increasingly trapped at home.  Bill told us "I was in a very bad place earlier this year, and had felt trapped and unable to carry out day-to-day tasks".

Our Kennet Division Secretary, Margaret Lock, stepped up to provide a mobility scooter which meant Bill was able to get out and about with his family when lockdown rules were loosened recently.  As engineers tend to, Bill made one or two modifications to his scooter, including adding a REME badge!

Margaret also arranged for a more suitable mattress for Bill who said "this means instead of just getting a couple hours sleep a night due to having to change position regularly, I am now able to get over 7 hours which really helps with my emotional condition."

Best of all, Bill has been able to go back to the work he loves, teaching the next generation of REME engineers.

If you know someone who could use our help, get in touch using the Contact Form on this page.