Appeal goes out for businesses to offer injured Royal Marines work experience. Plea for Honiton to lead the way.

Businesses in Honiton are being urged to offer injured Royal Marines work experience - to help give them a fresh start in life.

Up to 95 per cent of those receiving aftercare and support at a special unit based at HMS Drake in Plymouth will have to find new careers.

“They are having to make a decision they never thought they were going to have to make - ‘What am I going to do for a job?’” says Alan Rowe MBE, who wants to support members of Hasler Company as they make the move back into Civvy Street.

He hopes business owners in Honiton will rally to the cause.

“Because many are in their 20s, they need work experience in order to do something else,” Mr Rowe told The Herald.

“They will still be paid by the Ministry of Defence.”

More than 75 service personnel are currently receiving support in the unit at HMS Drake.

A 2012 calendar has gone on sale, depicting some of their achievements, made in spite of the loss of limbs or other injuries inflicted during their service.

Two signed copies are being offered as prizes in an annual Hospiscare draw organised by Mr Rowe, founder of the Baton charity.

Tickets are on sale now, priced �1, and the draw will take place on Saturday, December 17.

“The calendar is educational,” Mr Rowe said.

“It shows us civilians that when we moan about the things we moan about, we should stop and think for a moment.

“What has happened to these guys is affecting them, their families and friends for the rest of their lives - but they are still going forward.”

The calendars are also on sale at Alan Rowe Barbering, priced �9.95.

If you can offer a Royal Marine work experience contact Mr Rowe on (01404) 47535.