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For Stephen Gardiner returning to civilian life after 10 years in the Royal Navy was something of a daunting affair, not least because he had plans to start his own business - but had no idea how to go about it. He gives thanks then, to the Royal British Legion, which weighed in with a £5,000 grand and some invaluable business advice which helped make his dream - of a Chiropodist's practice called A Foot Above - a reality. Operating from its position in Bath Street, Ilkeston, it sees Stephen face a daily diet of corns, in-growing toenails and bunions. Once upon a time, it was very different. Working in a field hospital in the desert, he was a medic treating Royal Marines injured during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In 2004, he hung up his uniform and headed back to civvy street. But what would he do? "When I was getting ready to leave, I was working with an orthopaedic surgeon and I got interested in chiropody that way," he said. A period of resettlement training while he was still in the Navy gave him new skills for the outside world. "I approached the Legion once I was qualified and about to set up in business," said Stephen, who opened his practice in April. "Without its help, it would have been very difficult to do that. I have to pay the grant back, but it's helped me pay for the fixtures and equipment." Derby Evening Telegraph |
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