Inspirational tales shine a light on our armed forces

It could be anything from taking the fight to terrorists in the Middle East, responding to natural disasters or deploying thousands of miles away to protect the nation’s key shipping routes.

But sometimes courage can lie closer to home.

Today we report about some of the everyday heroes of our nation’s defence industry who have triumphed over adversity and inspired others in the process.

People like remarkable Janine Mayoll are a prime example of this. She was one of those praised in the Women In Defence Awards.

The 32-year-old sailor has faced a truly horrific few years – first being diagnosed with cancer, then losing both her parents and her beloved husband, all within the space of a couple of years.

This heartache could have broken many people.

But not Janine. Today she tells The News how she used her own personal tragedy to ‘fuel’ her success.

She is now one of the first crew members to operate the largest ship ever built for the Royal Navy – HMS Queen Elizabeth.

And to mark this sterling effort, she has been named as one of the UK’s most inspirational female figures in the defence industry.

Stories like Janine’s go to show the human side of our armed forces.

They not only have the pressure of protecting the nation to cope with, but dealing with everyday family life – and all the trials and tribulations this entails.

This is why it is key that every support is offered to our military families.

The News made such an appeal only a few weeks ago after revealing the shocking state of married quarters for some navy families in the Gosport area.

Some of them are living in terrible conditions, with holes in ceilings, mould on floors and cracks in their walls.

They deserve better. When tragic situations like those faced by Janine hit, the last thing our servicemen and women need is to be dealing with it while living in sub-standard housing.