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Steve Cartwright described the meeting as a “surreal but amazing” experience
A former sapper who was rescued from a mental health crisis by the Royal British Legion had an unexpected Armistice Day chat about his recovery with the Princess of Wales.
Steve Cartwright from Stafford was asked to walk through the National Memorial Arboretum with the princess on Tuesday after her first Remembrance service in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
He spoke about being close to taking his own life after leaving the forces, before taking part in life coaching and sport on a week-long course in Shropshire organised by the Legion.
“She asked how my health was, how I was getting on and if I was getting the support I needed,” he said.
“It was like talking to an old mate,” he smiled.
“She was just so nice and down to earth, it was unreal.”
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The pair spoke at length after the princess laid a wreath during the Armistice Day service
Mr Cartwright joined the armed forces at 16, was in the Royal Engineers and served in various places around the world.
He was medically discharged from Iraq in 2003 after an adverse reaction to anti-malarial drugs affecting his skin and key joints which limited his mobility.
Mr Cartwright was later diagnosed with complex PTSD, social anxiety and depression and said he had suffered suicidal thoughts.
However, he received an email invitation to the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back centre in Lilleshall, Shropshire, where he was introduced to archery and engaged in life coaching sessions.
“I walked away after five days with them a different person, with a different outlook in life,” he said, having since taken coaching badges in the sport and competed in the Invictus Games.
This was the first Armistice Day service Mr Cartwright had felt able to attend since leaving the forces and was unexpectedly called upon to speak to the Princess.
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The Princess spoke with World War 2 veteran, Geoff Spencer
He said Catherine was amazed and proud of his mental health journey, which he described as an unbelieveable moment.
“She’s such an amazing, lovely woman to talk to,” he said.
The pair walked from the Armed Forces Memorial to the main entrance building where she spoke with more veterans and explored the centre’s exhibitions.
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