THE mum of a soldier who died after returning from two tours of Afghanistan has thrown her weight behind trying to get ex-armed forces personnel back into work.

Carole Martin, who runs the Darlington-based recruitment company Resource Management Solutions, has helped hundreds of ex-armed forces personnel find jobs and has raised £25,000 for a PTSD charity, a cause close to her heart.

Her son Owen Wason, a Royal Marine Commando for eight years, suffered with PTSD following two tours of Afghanistan.

He died by suicide in October 2016 at the age of 26.

Read more: Darlington girl selected for World Class GB Taekwondo Team

Ms Martin said: “There are no words that can explain what happens to you as a mum when you lose a son. It is life changing for all the family. Owen is the inspiration behind our fundraising and support for veterans.”

RMS, which is based in Victoria Road, has received a bronze award from the government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which recognises UK employers that support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces.

The recruitment and HR company has also raised £25K for PTSD Resolution, a charity which supports veterans experiencing psychological difficulties. 

Ms Martin has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families are treated fairly.

The Northern Echo:

RMS finance manager Leon Butt, a former soldier within the air defence regiments, said: "The transition into civilian life is hard, there's no doubt about it.

“Back in the early 90s I found it very difficult to find a job as support in the work search for military personnel was scarce. Thankfully, a lot has changed for the better over the years, and more companies recognise how veterans enrich businesses with the training and skills they develop while serving their country.

“Soldiers live, work and socialise with their colleagues 24/7 – it’s a family and more, so once you leave, a strong network of family and friends is crucial. Civilian life can become lonely very quickly and some veterans can spiral into depression. This is why employment plays a big part in helping with the adjustment to civilian life.”

Read more: Northumbrian Water boss responds to Darlington water fault response

RMS staff have been raising money for PTSD Resolution by taking on challenges such as the Coast to Coast and sponsored runs. The next event they are involved in is a CrossFit heroes’ workout at CrossFit gym in Darlington on February 26.

Ms Martin said: “We are thrilled to have raised such a large sum for the charity. The funds will help current and ex-military personnel get the treatment they need when coping with the traumas of war.

“We can’t bring Owen back, but we can raise money in his honour. If the funds help just one ex-soldier in need, then it has been worth it.”

The Northern Echo:

Mr Wason was involved in two tours of Afghanistan between 2008 and 2012.

RMS works with the Career Transition Partnership using the online vacancy database RightJob which gives service leavers access to live vacancies and the ability to apply for jobs direct, accelerating the process of bringing candidates, vacancies and employers together. Veterans and employers can log on to the portal at ctp.org.uk

For more information about employment opportunities or employing a veteran, contact RMS veteran liaison Rob Colgrave on 01325 389333

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054