A Fife Black Watch veteran whose life spiralled out of control after he saw a comrade gunned down is promoting Poppyscotland’s Hogmanay Appeal.
Richard Somerville, 32, got his life back on track with support from the charity and is hoping his story will inspire people to donate and help give others like him a fresh start.
“Hogmanay has always been a special time of year for my family,” he said.
“I was one of the lucky ones, able to return home after serving my country. So many young men and women haven’t been so fortunate. Others have come home emotionally scarred or with life-changing injuries.”
The Kirkcaldy dad joined the Black Watch with hopes of seeing the world when he was 17.
But his dreams soon turned into a nightmare after witnessing the brutal realities of conflict in Iraq.
He said: “One of my comrades was shot and killed by the enemy. I was part of the team sent to recover his body. As we were trying to reach him we were under constant fire. It was a terrifying experience.
“When I came home from Iraq, I tried to put the experience to the back of my mind, but I couldn’t escape it.”
After being medically discharged in 2005, Richard spiralled into depression, anxiety and alcoholism.
“I drank to block things out,” he said.
“I really wasn’t in a good place and I felt so alone.”
The turning point for Richard was in 2010, when his then-girlfriend fell pregnant.
He attended therapy sessions and went on to become a driver for Poppyscotland.
“It was the motivation I needed. I was desperate to be a good dad, but I couldn’t turn things around on my own.
“Poppyscotland gave me an opportunity and I took it with both hands.
“My whole world changed when I started working at Poppyscotland. I got married, got a house and had another child. They even helped me get my HGV licence, which has helped me get a job I really enjoy.”
Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “I hope that his powerful story inspires others to support Poppyscotland and give veterans a fresh start in the New Year.
“The shocking reality is that one in eight veterans have a fundamental unmet need for support, and more than half suffer from a long-term illness or disability. That’s why we’re encouraging the public to support our Hogmanay Appeal, so we can continue to provide life-changing support to the armed forces community all year round.”