Veterans’ Stories

Our Centre for Veterans’ Health runs a Pain Management Programme: a ten day, virtual programme helping veterans to relieve and manage their chronic pain.

The Centre also offers military grants for treatment, procedures and surgeries – indeed, veteran Ghislaine (whose story is featured below), was helped by such a grant.

The programme and clinic have been described as truly “transformative” and “life-changing”. But don’t take our word for it – hear from some veterans who’ve attended.

This page is dedicated to their personal stories: stories that shine a light on their experiences – and ultimately offer hope to any veterans suffering with chronic pain.

“The staff are absolutely amazing and have the most superb knowledge and understanding.”

Your support helps us provide life-changing medical treatment to veterans like Jo-Anne:

“Thank you very much, it is a great honour to have been awarded such a grant. In spite of all the things I’ve done I’m not terribly well off. I think that King Edward’s is the most wonderful hospital I’ve ever been to” – Ghislaine Stovell-Campbell.
Read Ghislaine’s full story

“I can honestly say, hand on heart, the programme was the thing that changed my life, and the way I was living it” – Caroline Beazley.

“The Pain Management Programme (PMP) represents not just a new approach but a lifeline” – Hugh Northam.

“I met the most fabulous team of healthcare professionals at the Veteran’s Pain Management Programme, King Edward VII Hospital, London. The multidisciplinary, holistic approach provided me with the knowledge and skills to help myself” – Nicola Williams.

“No longer does the pain control my life but now my life controls the pain” – Phil Caswell.

“This programme has been amazing. I have learnt so much. Really didn’t think I could be taught anything new, after over 35 years of chronic pain. I couldn’t have been more wrong. If offered it, do this course!”

“I now have a better understanding of what pain is and I have learnt techniques to help me manage it. I know more about medication, how it helps or doesn’t. It’s helped me improve my fitness, my mental wellbeing. I am less anxious and kinder to myself.”

“The veterans’ pain clinic is highly recommended. All staff are awesome and very helpful. Have learnt a lot over the weeks and will be taking home and putting everything into practice. Would love to attend again in the future.”

“A truly life-changing programme. Over the course of the pain management programme, I have learnt that it is possible to manage chronic pain by incorporating techniques into my daily routine. I now have a far greater understanding of how and why my pain manifests itself and its effects on my mood. Sharing ideas and experiences with others has been invaluable.”