by John Prince
Hundreds of bikers, friends and a Member of Parliament joined together to raise funds and awareness for veterans who have found themselves struggling after leaving the armed forces.
Care After Combat was founded in 2014 by comedian Jim Davidson and provides support and practical assistance for veterans in the criminal justice system. It helps those experiencing loneliness, mental health difficulties or addiction.
Withernsea Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, which meets twice-monthly and also has a beach hut on the town’s seafront, was the other main beneficiary of the annual event at Castle Café. MP for Beverley and Holderness Graham Stuart was on barbecue duties, flipping and serving burgers.
Volunteers manned the merchandise stall and auctioned off a model of a Rickenbacker bass guitar crafted by a veteran at HMP Hull from thousands of matchsticks, as well as a print of an artwork by lifelong prisoner Charles Bronson.
With live music from the Alternative Solution and songs blaring from the PA speakers, the evening was a chance to show support for the many veterans who may need help after their military service has come to an end.
Castle Café owner Paul Whitehead said the event raised £837, which he topped up to £1,000.
He added: “This is our eighth year now. My principal charity has been Care After Combat, which supports veterans. They’re in every prison in the UK, so we help them and give support after prison as well.
“Tonight we’ve also included the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, which has a beach hut on Withernsea seafront, and other veterans’ charities.
“We hope to raise awareness and anything financially to support their ongoing efforts. The bass guitar is incredible. It’s a real piece of art and absolutely unique.
“Tonight brings together veterans from all forces and all ages, some who are still serving. It’s like a reunion for some. It’s beautiful to witness.”
Mr Stuart said: “All these bikers at the Castle Café is just fantastic because we’ve got to look after our veterans.
“It’s a big issue at the moment and here in Withernsea people are focused on recognising the debt we owe to all those who put their lives on the line for the country.
“It’s wonderful to come and see such a great turnout for the town. I’m happy cooking the burgers, chicken and sausages, not least because I’m a typical MP and I’m looking for a free meal!”
Volunteer Gordon Sowerby said: “The charity mentors veterans and gives them a shoulder to cry on and somebody to talk to. They mentor them within prisons, do resettlement plans with them and help them transition back into the community.
“We’ve met good people over the years and we owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans, regardless of their situation. We’re all human and we all make mistakes.
“Veterans in the justice system are struggling for support, so that’s what this was set up for.”
Castle Café will continue its support for local volunteer heroes with an RNLI Withernsea charity evening on Thursday, July 16, from 5pm.
The event will give visitors the chance to meet the lifeboat crew and see some of their life-saving equipment up close, alongside a barbecue and music. It will also support Blue Light Weekend and other charities.