Outrage: A call to arms

Despite the public outcry regarding UK benefit misappropriation to non-British citizens, little seems to have improved. The campaign ‘Justice for Aron Shelton’ highlights the plight of wounded and disabled ex-serviceman in reduced circumstances, rejected by the Dept of Works and Pensions.

Shelton, 26, was wounded in Afghanistan in 2007 and lost a leg below the knee. Initially granted the full Disability Allowance and a specially-modified car, after reassessment it emerged that, because he could struggle to walk ‘at least 400 metres’, albeit in excruciating pain, he no longer qualified for his allowance and special transport.

Following an appeal case his car is due to be withdrawn in February and his DA reduced to the minimum of £18 per week.

These short-sighted measures brought about the rise of a handful of charities in support of ex-servicemen and one, the fledgling North Finchley charity ‘A Call to Arms’ (ACA) held an online charity auction for Mr Shelton in late December.

Sadly only £350 was raised, but the hopes are still high for sufficient money for his special transport and lobbying funds.

ACA chairman Paul Binks said ‘Being forced to fight the government is like being kicked when you’re already down, but we are here to pick them up and fight with them side-by-side.’

Whether all those disabled in combat receive the same attention is unknown.
See www.acalltoarms.org.uk

Find this news story and more in the February/March 2011 issue of Classic Arms & Militaria