WO2 Stuart Millson (Ret’d), a former member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), recently embarked on a deeply personal journey of recovery and self-discovery that has culminated in an inspiring fundraising challenge.
After spending time on Juniper Ward, a psychiatric ward at Parklands Hospital, Basingstoke. Stuart has made it his mission to give back to the NHS staff who played a pivotal role in his recovery. He’s set up a JustGiving page for this fantastic initiative, which has raised £1000 (and counting) for Brighterway, a charity dedicated to enhancing staff and patient care at Southern Health by raising funds to provide support beyond the NHS budget. It funds welbeing initiatives such as garden developments, green spaces and community groups.
His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and a newfound passion for helping others.
A new beginning at Juniper Ward
A highly experienced soldier with over 28 years’ service, Stuart had served with units in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Germany, Holland, Kenya, Canada, Oman, Kosovo, Greece, Bosnia, the Falkland Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He arrived on Juniper Ward at a particularly low point, overwhelmed by personal pressures that had built up over time. Being medically discharged from the Army compounded these challenges.
It was on Juniper Ward that Stuart began to rebuild himself, thanks in large part to the compassionate care he received from the staff. He described the ward as a place that “silenced the external noise” of his life, giving him the opportunity to focus on his mental health.
“The staff were absolutely amazing – from the doctors to the cleaners. They were like links in a bike chain, and without them, the whole thing wouldn’t work,” Stuart explained, emphasising the importance of each team member. Among those who made a lasting impact was Ward Activity Coordinator Pete, whose unique therapeutic approach helped Stuart in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
The healing power of art and self-care
Activities like painting, yoga, and even quiz nights were integral to Stuart’s recovery. These simple yet powerful exercises provided a way to distract and ground himself, which complemented his formal therapy sessions. Stuart reflected on how these activities discreetly overlaid therapy, helping him work through his struggles in a more accessible way.
“Painting was so calming. It helped me eject the other nonsense going on in my head,” he said, noting that it also taught him to appreciate mindfulness in ways he hadn’t before. These activities allowed him to express his thoughts and emotions through creative outlets, providing him with a sense of calm and focus that had been missing in his life.
Launching a fundraising challenge
Toward the end of his time on Juniper Ward, Stuart was moved by how much even small contributions, such as a £10 donation for art supplies, meant to the staff and future patients. This inspired him to take on a personal fundraising challenge to give back. This October, Stuart is committed to running or walking two miles every day to raise money for Juniper Ward.
“I just wanted to raise a couple of quid to give something back to the staff who did so much for me,” he shared. Initially setting a modest goal of £150, he was stunned by the overwhelming response from his community as his renewed self-confidence saw him return to posting on social media. Stuart has now raised over £1000 with over a week to go..
The funds will go to Brighterway and will be earmarked specifically to supporting Juniper Ward, ensuring that future patients can benefit from the same therapeutic programs that were so crucial in Stuart’s recovery. His efforts not only highlight the importance of mental health services, but also the powerful role that community support plays in sustaining these vital resources.
The road ahead
Stuart’s journey is far from over. His commitment to giving back has doubled, and he plans to continue fundraising for the ward every year. He hopes that his story will inspire others to seek help when they need it and to support the mental health services that make such a profound difference.
Reflecting on his recovery, Stuart shared a simple yet profound piece of advice that had helped him: “It’s okay not to be okay.” For someone who had once been reluctant to ask for help, Stuart now urges others, especially men, to reach out when they’re struggling.
His fundraising challenge may have officially ended, but Stuart’s dedication to mental health awareness and support will continue. He’s already thinking about his next fundraising initiative, which he promises will be even more challenging – a testament to his ongoing personal growth and desire to give back.
A heartfelt thank you
At the heart of Stuart’s story is a deep gratitude to the staff at Juniper Ward. In his own words, “I wouldn’t be here without them.” Their unwavering support, compassion, and understanding helped him through his darkest moments, and Stuart’s fundraising efforts are his way of saying thank you to the people who helped him find the light again.
As he continues to rebuild his life, Stuart hopes that his journey will inspire others to support mental health services, whether through fundraising or simply by showing kindness to those who need it most. His story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope—and sometimes, all it takes is a little help from those around us.
For more information on Stuart’s ongoing fundraising efforts or to make a donation in support of Juniper Ward and its activities, please visit his JustGiving page here or visit the Brighterway website.
