TRAINEE sailors at HMS Raleigh have donated their spare cash to help veterans, after being inspired by their mentor.

Terry Whitty of Liskeard served in the Royal Navy for 27 years, and is welfare officer with his local Royal Naval Association (RNA). He is one of a team of veterans who support young recruits as they make the transition from civilian to military life.

Each veteran is assigned to a division at the training base, and the older men and women become familiar faces to the trainees as they complete their course.

The 58 recruits of Fisher Division had put aside money throughout their 10 weeks at Raleigh to purchase souvenirs at the end of their training.

When the time came to buy the keepsakes, the group had exceeded the money they needed by £135 and so decided to give it to Terry, for him to donate to charity.

As a welfare officer, Terry is responsible for drawing money from various charities to help his fellow veterans in times of need.

He said: ‘This time we split the money between the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, the Armed Forces charity known as SSAFA, and the mayor of Liskeard’s charity, which this year is supporting the Stroke club and two local junior schools.

‘We talk to the recruits during week five about the various charities which offer support to servicemen and women. I’d say 99% of the recruits have not heard of the RNA or the Royal British Legion before.

Warrant officer 1 Amanda Knight, who is a training officer for Fisher Division, said: ‘The veterans are very popular with the recruits. They look forward to the training sessions the veterans attend. The veterans’ experience of life in the service and at sea is invaluable to the recruits as they start their careers in the Armed Forces.

Terry has been a mentor for the past four years. He said: ‘Being a mentor is such an honour and privilege, being able to see the next generation of sailors pass a difficult 10 weeks.

‘The staff treat the veterans with the upmost respect. I know all the veterans are proud of our service, but when we go to the passing-out-parade and meet the recruits and their families it’s a proud day for all of us, including the staff and veterans.

‘I can’t thank the staff enough, especially in Fisher Division, for making the veterans feel part of the training team.