Case Studies Royal British Legion Thailand 2017 Prepared by: Mark Bowling
Welcome The following case studies are real welfare cases that the Royal British Legion has assisted with in Thailand:
CASE 1 Adam Hobbs “Dear RBL Thailand We need your help! An ex Welsh Guard Adam Hobbs has been involved in a terrible motorbike accident in Thailand. He's in a critical condition and in need of funds to get him the correct medical help he desperately needs. We have raised £6k of the £25k we need. The response has been incredible. But we still need more help!!! Please let us know"
Adam Hobbs The email came from Adam’s Mother Donna and partner Samantha. Adam was the start of over 6 weeks of complicated movements within Thailand and negotiations outside Thailand. Adam had a horrific crash on Koh Samui, he was wearing a helmet which saved his life however his insurance had expired. The bike was hired but they also had no insurance and refused to hand over Adams passport. The Royal British Legion took the lead and along with Help for Heroes, The Army Benevolent Fund and the Welsh Guards all donated GBP 120,000 each to pay for a private air ambulance.
Full medical repatriation by private jet is over GBP 500,000 but the RBL negotiated a discounted price. Adam’s condition was such that he needed a full medical team and basically a mobile ICU for the long flight.
Outcome •
The following is an email received by Mr Bert Elson BEM (RBLT Secretary/Welfare Rep)
Hi lovely Bert, How are you? This is just a little email to say once again a HUUUUGGGEEEEE THANK YOU for everything you did for Adam, me and his family. There will never be enough words of thanks I have for you and all you did and for what everyone did. I got the lovely pleasure of meeting Jiffy last week and he told me exactly how it was all done. I am amazed. This truly was the most exceptional, wonderful case in saving a mans life and I have so much thanks and gratitude for you and for all you did.
It was such a pleasure to meet with you also, I am so sad that we didn't have much time to talk much and really hear everything from your side. Thank you for helping save Adam's life. Adam is doing really well now, he had a tracheotomy and they believe they will take it out this week as he is now breathing on his own. Still unable to move certain parts of his body but is doing good in physio. Its going to be a long road but he is a fighter and will do this, I know! Massive thank you again for absolutely everything you did! I appreciate everything!!! I hope life is good back in Thailand and you are on your missions to save the other lovely souls that need your help. Big thanks and have a lovely weekend Sammi
Case 2 • Rosalie Weatherill This case has been in the Portsmouth News and is still ongoing: Rosalie her husband Arthur and son David were all out for the day in their car in Thailand when they were involved with a head on collision with a 16 wheeler truck, Arthur and David were killed instantly and Rose severely injured and taken to Phuket Hospital. Arthur had served in the Royal Navy and David the Army, the Royal British Legion were asked if we could help both Rose and the wife of David who is Thai. With regards Rose she is receiving treatment at the hospital, she is unable to make decisions at the moment but is improving, we are working with the FCO as regards what her next move will be.
Outcome David’s wife Chantaporn Weatherill is classed by us as a dependent as she is married to David, she has 2 children from a previous marriage but as David supported them, they too are dependents. As both children are at university we have arranged to pay all their fee's, we are also looking into buying a motorbike for Chantaporn to make it easier for her to visit Rose in hospital. Rose, of course, is ongoing but I'm glad to say she is improving. There are a number of Widows just like Chantaporn in Thailand who we continue to support.
Funeral Donations Unfortunately, there are cases of Ex-Servicemen and Women who have passed away in Thailand and did not leave sufficient funds available to conduct the proper cremation and service that they deserve. The Royal British Legion has seen to it that these expenses were met and that the deceased received a fitting funeral.
Thai Veterans Organisation Not only does the Royal British Legion assist British Ex-Servicemen and Women, but we also support The Thai Veterans Organisation through charitable donations raised through our annual Poppy Golf tournament. Poppy Golf is in Aid of The Royal British Legion and Thai Veterans, no money donated to the Poppy Appeal is used for anything but the Poppy Appeal.
Get Involved! The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Armed Forces charity and one of its largest membership organisations. Members get together through the network of branches and clubs all over the country and overseas to participate in social, fundraising and welfare activities.
Chonburi Thailand Branch meets The last Saturday of every month from 14.00 – 18.00, venues vary so it is often best to contact the Branch secretary for details or visit our FaceBook page; royalbritishlegionthailand You do not need to be Ex-Military. Just come along, meet new people and offer support. As a charity we also welcome all donations to assist in cases like those of Adam Hobbs and Rosalie Weatherill, so please Remember and help support those that need us.
Contact Us For any further information please contact:
Albert Elson BEM Secretary/Welfare Representative
The Royal British Legion Chonburi Thailand Branch Chonburi.Secretary@rbl.community Tel +66(0) 898072335