Portchester soldier who broke his back in Iraq launches music festival to help veterans in crisis

Former Royal Engineer Andrew Hollins will take centre stage when he launches Vocal for Veterans, a new music festival aimed at supporting his traumatised comrades.

The 40-year-old, of Wellington Grove, Portchester, will be staging the all-night event at Southsea’s Fawcett Inn pub on Saturday, March 21.

The spectacle is in aid of Southsea-based All Call Signs, a group supporting military personnel and veterans in need.

Andrew, who was medically discharged from the army after being injured during operations in Iraq in 2002, said charities like All Call Signs were vital in destroying the stigma surrounding mental health.

He added: ‘It’s important to talk, it’s good to talk. The most important thing is making people aware. This doesn’t make you weak or wrong.

‘I have had my own problems. I’ve never been diagnosed with PTSD but my injury changed my life big time. I’ve had to ask for help in the past. There is nothing wrong with doing that.’

The festival show, taking place from 4pm to 11pm, will feature live performances from eight of Portsmouth’s top musical talent.

Andrew, who is recovering from a broken leg, will be among those taking to the stage with his four-piece cover band, Island City.

He added: ‘I feel absolutely buzzing about it all right now. I’m having sleepless nights already, It’s going to be amazing.’

Andrew said he wanted to support All Call Signs after hearing about the charity’s work launching search parties nationwide to find missing veterans in crisis.

‘All Call Signs is a brilliant cause,’ said Andrew, who is a black belt in karate. ‘The guys are incredible, they’re working 24 hours a day, every day, getting up and searching for people.

‘I just wanted to do something that can help them.’

Dan Arnold, co-founder of All Call Signs, will be attending the night and urged others to join and donate.

He said: ‘We are really pleased to be supported by fundraising efforts like this - after all we are nothing without the community who share our content and raise vital awareness and funds for us.’

Vocal for Veterans is being sponsored by Casemates Rehearsal Studios in Hilsea and The 157 Store in Fareham. Landlords of the Fawcett Inn, in Fawcett Road, are also supporting the night by donating.

The festival will feature a raffle, with prizes including 10 bottles of champagne, a hamper, vouchers to 157 and hair and beauty treatment deals for men and women, among other things.