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For the first time someone believed us -
A partner's story by Debra Mills

The NGVFA is a fantastic charity and does great work for both Gulf veterans and their families. For me personally, we became aware of them when my husband contacted them in February 2009 having been told about them by another member suffering similar symptoms. All the staff are amazing human beings, we have never felt such compassion and care, support from what were strangers but whom we now consider friends. They really understand how Gulf War Syndrome affects Simon, me and Skye (our daughter).

Immediately, the NGVFA had an impact on our lives as a family, because for the first time other than myself, Simon felt that Jo on the other end of the telephone believed what he was saying about his health and physical well being, and explained that there were many others suffering the same.

Although all the places had been booked, they arranged for us to attend the 2009 Respite, we weren't in the financial position to attend but they said just make it to Blackpool and they would help out with expenses, they thought we would all benefit from it. We hadn’t had a family holiday in some time and they made us feel very welcome and made a particular fuss of Skye it was like Christmas for her with all the gifts.

The Respite itself was a great but emotional experience, we enjoyed ourselves of course, especially Skye as there was lots of things organised for the kids and they were cared for whilst we attended seminars and gathered information about Gulf War Syndrome, the various illnesses and the effect it has on the body and the original causes of it.

The sheer volume of information was overwhelming but the staff at NGVFA filtered it out to us in such a way that it can be digested and understood and they were and still are always available to talk things over. They have helped a lot with understanding benefits system and were invaluable when Simon's DLA claim went to tribunal which Maria attended. All the staff at the office are on the other end of the phone day or night if we need them and are such a support especially knowing they care.

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