Andrew Jackson, a 38-year-old army veteran from Liverpool, is now thriving with hope and purpose following a life of trauma and PTSD from serving in Afghanistan. From rock bottom to re-birth, his story is one of service, sacrifice, collapse, and ultimately, recovery — made possible thanks to Liverpool veterans charity, The Block Armed Forces Foundation.
TO HELP SUPPORT THE BLOCK’S WORK CALL 0151 281 4837 OR EMAIL ce@theblockaff.org — OR DONATE VIA THE WEBSITE
Andrew, originally from Luton, grew up in a broken home and tragedy struck early when his mother died of cancer. After caring for her for years as a teen, she died when he was just 18 years old during his training with the Royal Logistics Corps in the British Army. Despite the devastating loss, Andrew chose to carry on, pushing through his grief to complete his training.
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He later joined The Pioneers, a regiment based in Germany, where he began to excel. Ambitious and motivated, Andrew set his sights on becoming a Personal Training Instructor. He completed the demanding course through the Armed Forces and passed with flying colours, proving both his physical ability and mental discipline.
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In 2009, he was deployed to Afghanistan for eight months. He returned again in 2010 for a second tour –one that would change his life forever. During that deployment, the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an explosion — one of many events that almost took his life.
Andrew witnessed friends being blown up, watched people die and lived through constant attacks. In the midst of chaos during one assault, he saved the lives of two fellow soldiers during an enemy ambush. He was also tasked with the harrowing job of collecting the body parts of suicide bombers following an attack.
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Despite sustaining a serious shoulder injury and ongoing nerve damage, Andrew continued to serve — joining the Parachute Regiment and passing numerous courses while stationed in Colchester. However, years of physical damage eventually caught up with him, and in 2019 he was medically discharged from the army. For being blown up in action, he received just £2,000 in compensation — because he had chosen to carry on serving.
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Civilian life proved far more brutal than Andrew ever imagined. He recalls: “After leaving the army, I bought a house in the Wirral with my wife and children, hoping to build a stable future. But the relationship became toxic and broke down after my wife had an affair. My mental health rapidly deteriorated and I reached a point where I wanted to end my life.”
TO HELP SUPPORT THE BLOCK’S WORK CALL 0151 281 4837 OR EMAIL ce@theblockaff.org — OR DONATE VIA THE WEBSITE
In a moment of clarity and courage, he took himself to the police asking for help and was housed in a mental health respite home. What followed was total collapse. Andrew lost his job, his home, his car — everything. He became homeless, living in a refuge rife with drugs and chaos before eventually returning down south and sleeping on the streets.
In November 2024, at rock bottom, Andrew reached out to Operation Fortitude. That call changed everything. He was put in touch with The Block Armed Forces Foundation veterans charity and support centre in Liverpool, who have helped countless veterans in crisis. When he arrived at their office, he was met by Colin Eastaway, Craig Donoghue and the team — people who saw not a problem, but a person.
TO HELP SUPPORT THE BLOCK’S WORK CALL 0151 281 4837 OR EMAIL ce@theblockaff.org — OR DONATE VIA THE WEBSITE
Andrew says: “Colin and the team literally saved my life. I honestly don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for them. They gave me a room and provided food baskets to ensure I had warmth and food. Craig worked closely with me, helping me access mental health services, apply for Universal Credit and secure the benefits I was entitled to. I was formally diagnosed with complex PTSD, finally giving a name to the invisible wounds I had carried for years.”
He continues: “During my five months with The Block, I gave back where I could, helping with work around the building and supporting others. They gave me hope again and I just wanted to be part of their incredible project. Eventually I was offered my own flat in Stockbridge Village and Colin personally attended the viewing with me, paid my rent deposit, and even supplied paint so I could make the flat my own.”
TO HELP SUPPORT THE BLOCK’S WORK CALL 0151 281 4837 OR EMAIL ce@theblockaff.org — OR DONATE VIA THE WEBSITE
A few months later, Andrew stood alongside Colin once again — this time helping with the The Block’s Poppy Appeal week in Liverpool, giving back to a cause close to his heart. Today, Andrew Jackson is heading up The Block’s new veterans’ drop-in centre in Kirkby. He has found a renewed sense of purpose and direction. He credits Colin, Craig and The Block Armed Forces Foundation with saving his life.
TO HELP SUPPORT THE BLOCK’S WORK CALL 0151 281 4837 OR EMAIL ce@theblockaff.org — OR DONATE VIA THE WEBSITE
“I wouldn’t be here without them,” Andrew says. “Now, I want to help others walk the same path out of darkness. I am determined to share my story far and wide and to push for reform of the Army’s Resettlement Programme. Veterans need proper education about mental health before leaving service, clear information about available support and most importantly ongoing mental health care.”
“PTSD doesn’t just end,” he continues. “It’s ongoing and can hit people much further down the line. Military service places a great strain on families too and most relationships break down after leaving the forces because people fundamentally change when they transition into civilian life. There simply isn’t enough long-term support for veterans once they take off the uniform and if it wasn’t for The Block we would have lost many more veterans to alcohol, drugs, mental health issues and suicide.”
TO HELP SUPPORT THE BLOCK’S WORK CALL 0151 281 4837 OR EMAIL ce@theblockaff.org — OR DONATE VIA THE WEBSITE
From war zones and homelessness to hope and leadership, Andrew Jackson’s journey is a powerful reminder of both the cost of service and the impact of compassion. Today, he stands not just as a survivor, but as a mentor — determined to help others and ensure no veteran is left behind. What’s more, after losing everything, he is rebuilding a beautiful relationship with his children.
The Block Armed Forces Foundation / 241-243 Walton Road, Kirkdale, Liverpool, L4 4AR / 0151 281 4837
TO HELP SUPPORT THE BLOCK’S WORK CALL 0151 281 4837 OR EMAIL ce@theblockaff.org — OR DONATE VIA THE WEBSITE
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