Former RAF chef turns his hand to poetry as part of mental health recovery

A former Royal Air Force chef who turned his hand to poetry as part of his mental health recovery has written a special poem entitled ‘The Eternal Poppy’ to mark Remembrance Day.

Jason Wood, a veteran from Oakham served 26 years as a chef in the Royal Air Force. He very much enjoyed his life and time in the RAF, with a wide and varied career working in practically every environment possible. He was lucky enough to organise and cook at many high-profile functions, including being sous chef for Michelin-starred Glynn Purnell at the final banquet for the BBC’s Great British Menu at the RAF's historic Halton House in 2009. 

After leaving the Armed Forces in 2012, Jason struggled to adjust to civilian life, finding it hard to settle in one place and moving from job to job.

In 2018, he sadly reached crisis point with his mental health, as a consequence of post traumatic stress, and severe depression and anxiety. In really low periods even trying to hurt himself and wanting to end his own life.

In 2023, Jason turned to Op COURAGE, an NHS service developed with people who have served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill-health. Working together with NHS services and charities, Op COURAGE makes sure people who have served and are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing get the specialist care, support and treatment for their specific needs.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust​​​ was named lead provider for the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership in April 2023. Since then, working with our partners, we’ve supported more than 1,900 veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families across both the East and West Midlands.

Speaking of the support he received through Op COURAGE, Jason said:

“My time under Op COURAGE has been invaluable. The support from people who are solely veteran focused makes so much difference, giving me great peace of mind. I count myself truly lucky and blessed that I was afforded the opportunity to work with Op COURAGE and would recommend the service to anyone who is having troubles.”

Writing poetry as part of his recovery has also really helped Jason and he continues to take part in a local poetry group. He is keen to share his poetry with other veterans and has been invited to read ‘The Eternal Poppy’ at a Royal British Legion Remembrance Day service in Oakham. 

Doug Wing, Operational Lead for Midlands Op COURAGE, said:

“Remembrance Day can be a difficult time for veterans, bringing back memories from their time in service and those they served alongside. We want to remind any veterans who might be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing that they’re not alone. We’re here to help and all it takes is one call.”

Veterans, their families or other health professionals can refer, or self-refer to services by calling 0300 323 0137 or emailing mevs.mhm@nhs.net

Please visit www.opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk for more information.

The Eternal Poppy by Jason Wood

Emblazoned on our chest
we wear a symbol of the lost
but it's not one day each year
we should recall their ultimate cost
to be immortalised by Colonel McCrae
staying indelible on our minds
so we come together annually
and see their sacrifices aren't denied 

Yet it's not our Tommies alone
we’ll remember at this time
for many a brave patriot
has signed that dotted line
pledging allegiance to our Monarch, country and comrades
a ceremony we all hold dear
to pay a debt we can't evade

From our brave noble flyers
over Dover cliffs so white
to our valiant troops at Normandy
and sailors engaged in Baltic plight
World War 1 - The Great War 
forever it will be penned
still conflicts waged around the world
seemingly never end

Iraq - Belize - Afghanistan
Northern Ireland and The Falklands
Sierra Leone - Kenya
and a reflection of The Balkans

They return to Blighty heroes
some with afflictions and disabilities
but also some will bear the scars
the ones you cannot see
so with respect, poise and pride
we congregate as a family
to honour and remember
those who came before
with, The Eternal Poppy

Midlands Op COURAGE is proudly delivered in partnership by: Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, St Andrew's Healthcare, Walking With The Wounded, The Ripple Pond, Tom Harrison House, and Mental Health Matters.