- Jul 8, 2015
- 2 min read

Altcar helping recovery of wounded soldiers

Altcar Training Camp has dedicated a secluded part of the camp to helping the recovery of wounded soldiers.

The base is looking to provide four, two-person curved wooden shelters – PODS – for veteran injured soldiers, as part of their recovery.

They will be able to stay for short periods of time in an environment they have been used to, which will help with the process of them making good progress from their injuries.

They will have a chance to chat to the staff, and enjoy the wildlife and scenery.

The four PODS have to be completely self-funded and one has been promised already. The ABF, The Soldiers Charity, the main Army charity, is donating a second.

Because of the excellent link between the residents of Hightown and the Altcar Camp, a delegation of local people were invited to meet at the Camp with a view to giving their support to the project.

What the Pods look like

Colonel Mark Underhill, chief executive of NW Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, plus Camp Commandant Colonel Gordon Black, and Altcar Staff Steve Hunter, appointed site manager, spoke to the party and took them to the designated area to give them an idea of the whole plan.

Besides the four PODS, there will be a parking area, ablutions, kitchen area, a fire pit and BBQ.

As an old house was knocked down in the area, there is already electricity, water and a septic tank.

During times when they are not being used by recovering soldiers, they can be available for small parties of Cadets, or Regulars and Reservist training at Altcar.

However, priority will be given to wounded, injured or long-term sick Servicemen or Servicewomen, and they will be selected through the Military Personnel Recovery Unit.

The Hightown residents who made the visit made a pledge they would like to be involved and they were all thanked for doing so.