Royal Navy veteran Nick Martin lived with undiagnosed PTSD for over 30 years before he sought help. ''For 35 years I drifted through life, never accepting responsibility at work, sabotaging anything that began to look good or successful''. 

Since being involved with Help for Heroes three years ago Nick says, ''Help for Heroes has enabled me to start putting my head above the parapet. My confidence and self-esteem have improved immeasurably. I no longer dwell in the past but am finally starting to look to a successful and productive future. I have a long way to go but being supported has allowed my initial steps to be on stepping-stones rather than stumbling blocks''. 

For Nick, art takes him away from dwelling on the past, ''My art began as a way of filling time during some dark days. I would take a canvas, paints and sit for hours with music playing and tea and biscuits. I would need to concentrate on the art rather than dwell on a troubled past''. 

Nick's artwork has been used to produce a stunning T-Shirt and set of tea towels. He says, ''Seeing my own designs on merchandise ideas is exciting. It helps me to believe that I have finally begun to give something back to a Charity that has been instrumental in my recovery journey so far. I am extremely proud''.