Peter’s story

Peter Scholz served his country for more than two decades. He travelled the world with the Army Catering Corps, but in later years, his body began to betray him. When the pain in his knees became unbearable, he sought help – but for 18 months, he got nowhere. Then, thanks to his family and the support of King Edward VII’s Hospital, Peter finally got the treatment he needed.

A lifetime of service
Peter joined the Army Catering Corps in April 1968 at the age of 17. Over a 23-year military career, he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2 SQMS) before leaving the service in July 1990. “I served in Germany, Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Bahrain and across the UK,” says Peter. “I loved it. It was a great career.”

After leaving the military, Peter remained active, continuing to run, cycle and play golf. But as the years passed, his body began to struggle with the strain. By the time he was 60, he noticed pain creeping into his knees, but like many veterans, he pushed through.

“I just carried on. That’s what we do,” Peter explains. “I played golf, cycled, and tried not to let it get to me. But about five years ago, I could barely walk, let alone run.”

A frustrating journey
When the pain became impossible to ignore, Peter went to his doctor. X-rays confirmed that he had complete arthritis in his right knee and partial arthritis in his left.

“I tried the NHS, but I was getting nowhere,” Peter recalls. “For 18 months, I waited, but nothing happened. I didn’t know what to do next.”

Then, his son had an idea. “You served,” he told Peter. “Why don’t you try SSAFA?” SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, helps veterans access the medical care they need. Peter’s daughter, tech-savvy and determined, took charge of the process.

“She did all the computer work,” Peter says. “Next thing I knew, I was being called up to King Edward VII’s Hospital to see Dr. Luke Jones. It all happened so quickly.”

Finally, a solution
Peter’s first appointment with Dr. Jones was thorough and reassuring. “Dr. Jones x-rayed me and confirmed that both knees needed replacing. I asked if I’d be able to run again. He told me straight: ‘If you’re going to run, I’m not going to do your knees.’ He was quite firm about it, but it was good. It stopped me from making it worse.”

Dr Jones reassured Peter that after surgery, he should still be able to do what mattered most: playing golf, cycling, and keeping up with his grandson. “I asked him what I’d be able to do, and he told me I’d still be able to play with my grandson and do all the things I enjoyed, just not running. That was important to me.”

Peter’s first surgery, a partial knee replacement on his left knee, took place in June 2023. The right knee followed in July.

The road to recovery
“I’ve never felt pain like it,” Peter says honestly. “It was tough. Before the surgeries, I couldn’t even walk half a mile without my partner having to come and get me. I was in pain all the time.”

But the care he received at King Edward VII’s Hospital made all the difference.

“The people at King Edward VII’s were amazing,” Peter says. “From the moment I arrived, they couldn’t do enough for me. The food was excellent. The hospital was spotless. And the staff treated me like a person, not just a number. Dr Jones and his team were brilliant.”

Peter recalls how different it felt to be in an environment where he was truly cared for. “I’ve been in hospitals before where you feel like you’re just a number. But at King Edward VII’s, it was different. They treated me with kindness and respect. It really made a difference.”

A new lease on life
For Peter, the experience was overwhelming in the best possible way. “All my life, I’ve never had anything given to me,” he says. “I couldn’t believe it. This charity did something amazing for me, and I’m so grateful. It was just wonderful.”

“King Edward VII’s Hospital was brilliant,” Peter says. “I would recommend it to anyone who has the chance. The Centre for Veterans’ Health changed my life.”

Words of advice for vets
For veterans struggling with chronic pain, Peter has some advice:

“If you’re not getting anywhere, don’t give up. There are people and organisations out there that want to help. Try SSAFA, try the Centre for Veterans’ Health. You never know what might be possible.”

Peter’s journey was long and challenging, but thanks to the dedication of his family, the expertise of Dr Jones, and the support of King Edward VII’s Hospital, he has been given the chance to live life on his terms again.

More information

• If you are a veteran in need of support, or have any queries about the assistance we can offer you, please contact Caroline Dunne, Centre for Veterans Health Coordinator: cdunne@kingedwardvii.co.uk
• Find out more about the Veterans’ Pain Management Programme
• Did you know all Service or ex-Service Personnel (including reserves) without medical insurance are entitled to a 20% discount on their hospital bill. It also extends to their spouses/civil partners and includes widowers and widows