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A Week of Veterans, Books, Hospitals and Football

Some weeks just blur into one long shift. Others stand out because they remind you exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Last week was one of those – a mix of book promotion, veterans’ events, hospital appointments, family time, and even a bit of football thrown in for good measure. It left me tired, sore… but very grateful.

Friday: Gearing Up for Care for Veterans

My week really started on Friday, getting ready for the Care for Veterans Christmas fayre.

The kitchen table turned into a mini print shop – designing and printing posters, sorting decorations, and counting copies of The Lost Hero to take with me. I wanted the table to feel welcoming, a mix of military pride and Christmas warmth.

Then there was the important question: what to wear.

I settled on smart but casual:

Nice shirt Jeans Tweed blue-grey jacket

Comfortable enough to stand and chat all day, but smart enough to show I was taking the event – and the people there – seriously.

Saturday: Care for Veterans Christmas Fayre

Saturday was the big one.

I arrived at Care for Veterans around 10:30 to set up, ready for guests arriving from late morning. Books laid out, posters up, table dressed, nerves kicking in (as they always do) but with that little buzz of excitement too.

I shared the table with Sid and Ron, two fellow veterans – one Army, one RAF, and Ron also an ex-Gunner from his younger days. Proper gents. We swapped stories, laughed a lot, and there was that unspoken understanding that only comes from shared service.

At one point, the Mayor of Worthing came over and spent real time talking with me about the book. She was genuinely engaged, asked questions, and even helped promote The Lost Hero on her Facebook page afterwards, which was a lovely boost.

By the end of the day I’d:

Met a steady stream of veterans, families, and local residents Signed and sold 14 copies of the book Talked about service, memory, and family with people who really “got it”

It wasn’t just about sales – it was about connection and community. Exactly the sort of day I’d hoped it would be.

Back home that evening, I decompressed the old-fashioned way: a few chilled beers, feet up, while my wife headed off to work her hospital shift. Different uniforms, different roles – but the same idea of service.

Sunday: A Much-Needed Pause

After all that, Sunday was deliberately quiet.

A slow dog walk in the park, letting the fresh air and simple routine do its thing. Later, a movie on the TV, then an evening with my head in a book while my wife caught up with Strictly Come Dancing.

Nothing dramatic. Just a normal, peaceful Sunday – and I think I needed that more than I realised.

Monday: Hospitals and Hard Truths

Monday brought me back down to earth with a bump.

I had a hospital appointment to chase up my MRI results on my back. I’ve been living with pain and stiffness for a while now, but it’s different when you see it on a screen and hear the words out loud.

Turns out my L3 and L5 are disintegrating, causing inflammation in my lower back. There are still more tests to be done, and rheumatology have now been brought in to look at my scans and blood work in more detail.

It’s not the easiest thing to hear, but it’s also strangely clarifying. You realise:

You’re not invincible (however much your 20-year-old self would argue otherwise) The years of soldiering, working, and just cracking on don’t come free Looking after yourself now isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity

I walked out of the hospital with mixed feelings: a bit worried, yes, but also grateful that things are being investigated properly. Getting answers is better than endlessly guessing.

Tuesday: Veterans, Blind Veterans, and a Football Book Launch

If Monday was medical, Tuesday was full-on social.

It started simply enough – another dog walk in the morning to clear my head and loosen the back. Then it was time to get suited and booted for a veterans’ luncheon at The Orchid House in Worthing.

The luncheon brought together fellow veterans and Worthing dignitaries. It was a brilliant opportunity to:

Meet new people Reconnect with familiar faces Talk about The Lost Hero and what it represents

Again, it wasn’t just about the book – it was about shared experiences, stories, and the quiet pride that runs through the veteran community.

After lunch it was home for a quick change, then straight out again – this time to the Blind Veterans Association.

There I helped wrap Christmas presents and gave a short talk on Christmas traditions around the world. A lovely mix of practical help and storytelling, and a reminder that even small gestures – a wrapped gift, a shared laugh, a familiar tradition – can mean a lot.

Then, back home, quick refuel… and out again in the evening.

This time it was to support a fellow writer, Ian Hart, at his new book “From every angle” being released. Ian is an Albion supporter, radio presenter, and editor of the Gulls Eye fanzine, so the room had a strong Brighton & Hove Albion flavour.

The event was attended by my brother Kerry (who played for Brighton during the tough years) and Guy Butters, ex-Albion and Tottenham. It was a cracking evening – books, football, and stories all rolled into one.

I even managed to drag my wife along, despite the fact she doesn’t enjoy football in the slightest. 😂 Bless her for coming along anyway and supporting me. That’s love.

Looking Back: A Full Week, A Full Heart

By the end of it all, I was knackered.

But when I look back at the week, I see:

Veterans supported Books signed, sold, and shared New connections made – with readers, mayors, fellow authors, and old comrades Health questions faced head-on Time with my wife, my dogs, and my community

It’s a reminder that life isn’t just one thing. It’s hospital corridors and Christmas fayres. It’s back pain and belly laughs. It’s book signings, football fanzines, and wrapping presents for people who can’t see the lights but can still feel the warmth.

If you’ve made it this far – thank you for reading.

If you’ve picked up The Lost Hero – thank you for trusting me with your time.

And if you see me at a veterans’ event, book signing, or wandering around Worthing with two dogs and a slightly dodgy back – come and say hello.

Until next time,

Ryan

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