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At Broomy Hill Nursing Home, we’re incredibly proud of the people who make our home such a special place- and Neil is certainly one of them. As head of maintenance, he’s not only a valued part of the Ashberry team, but also a well-loved member of the local Hereford community. Known for his kindness, determination, and willingness to help anyone in need, Neil brings far more than practical skill to Broomy Hill.
With 12 years of Air Force service behind him, Neil has always carried a strong sense of duty- something reflected in his long friendship with an ex-Navy veteran who endured unimaginable experiences during his time in service. In 1982, the veteran served aboard a ship where many of his comrades were killed in combat. The trauma left him with severe PTSD and an overwhelming sense of guilt that followed him for decades.
Despite their close bond, the veteran remained extremely private and rarely let anyone into his home. His challenges grew even heavier when he was diagnosed with a serious illness and told he had only six months to live. Two years later, he was still fighting- but with almost no support.
Over time, the veteran struggled with severe alcoholism and spent ten years living without heating. Seeing his friend in such difficult conditions, Neil became determined to make a difference. After 18 months of persistence, he secured £3,000 in funding and a donated boiler, finally restoring warmth to his friend’s home. Ashberry gave Neil a day off to help with the installation.
What followed was an incredible show of community spirit. Local plumber Ben Armstrong volunteered his time, and Graham from Plumbers Merchants in Hereford donated essential materials. Ashberry staff then joined in to help renovate the veteran’s bathroom, installing a new shower, taps, sink, and glass panel. With the remaining funds, they were able to completely refurbish the space- giving the veteran a home that felt not only warmer, but dignified and cared for.
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Meanwhile, Neil’s own family faced its own battle. His son, while serving in Iraq, survived a 60-foot fall that left him with three broken vertebrae and severe injuries to his chest organs. Doctors feared he would never regain a normal quality of life, let alone become a father.
But, just like his dad, he refused to give up. Neil’s son rebuilt his life with extraordinary resilience, using the experience to fuel a campaign supporting veterans- and ultimately becoming the proud father of three children.
This story is a powerful reminder of the strength of friendship, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit. From Ben Armstrong and Graham Plumbers Merchants, to the supportive Ashberry team, it shows how compassion and perseverance can bring light even to the darkest of times.
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