A former soldier who was medically discharged from the army has spoken about the “invaluable” help he received from the Royal British Legion to get his life back on track.

Two broken bones in Joe Louis’ foot fused together while healing causing him considerable pain and resulting in him having to leave the armed forces.

However as a single parent caring for two children who could only work part-time Mr Louis soon found himself in debt and was struggling to make ends meet.

But with the help of the Royal British Legion (RBL) Mr Louis was given the financial advice and basic furniture he needed to get back on his feet.

And he has praised the “invaluable” work carried out by the legion and its volunteers which is being backed by the EADT’s Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign.

Shoulder to Shoulder is all about supporting the RBL in their work to help servicemen and woman who have served their country but now need assistance because of money troubles, physical injuries or psychological scars.

Mr Louis, who was a driver for the Royal Logistics Corps spoke about how important the help of the legion was to him when he was struggling to settle back into civilian life.

He said: “I had so much going through my head it wasn’t just the financial help but the support they gave me. It was invaluable.

“You do get told they are there to help but I didn’t realise they helped as much as they did.”

Mr Louis added when he left the army one thing he was worried about losing was the friendship and camaraderie of his fellow soldiers, but the legion are able to help here as well.

“They do days where you can go and be around other soldiers and get in touch with old friends from the army,” Mr Louis said. “They make your life better.

“As much as I was in a lot of bother there were probably people in worse bother than me and it would make their life a lot better.

“The help they give you is invaluable, especially to older people.”