A local MP has vowed to support and help veterans who served in Britain’s forces.
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, met a group of veterans at the Old Colonial pub on Dunbottle Lane in Mirfield which is well known for supporting local veterans and their families and even has its own war memorial just outside.
Kim learned all about the great work now being done by Tommy’s Lounge on Railway Street just off St George’s Square in Huddersfield town centre and has become a favourite meeting place for veterans from across West Yorkshire.
The café is thought to be unique in the UK as it was set up primarily as a place for veterans to meet up, feel at ease and talk through their often traumatic experiences. Members of the public are also more than welcome to go there.
It was set up by former Regimental Sgt Major Mick Riley MBE, who served over 25 years in the British Army, his partner Jennie Thorn and her mum, Sue Longbottom.
Mick recently talked openly about his own mental health problems since leaving the army in a hard-hitting feature on Huddersfield Hub. Read that story HERE.
Kim said: “It was powerful to talk to local veterans about their experiences and the valuable work they do across Kirklees and a pleasure to visit such a great local pub.
“I am deeply grateful for their service and am looking forward to supporting them and working together in the future.”
Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content and copywriting.
