Barry's story

Prior to sadly passing away, former soldier Barry Richardson sat down with us and share his life story and his experience with Caremark Doncaster. We dedicate this story in Barry’s memory.

Thanks to our support and before his death, Barry Richardson continued to enjoy playing computer games in his home. There was one particular genre of game he didn’t like to play for good reasons.

“I don’t like shooting games like Call of Duty because I was shot at by the real thing in the army,” he joked.

Barry’s service to his country – he was a corporal in The Grenadier Guards for 14 years – resulted in two medals. They hung proudly on the wall of his home. One for his service in Northern Ireland and the other for service to the United Nations on the Cypriot/Turkish border.

Both of these countries were particular hot spots when Barry did his tours of duty there as a young Guardsman in the 1970s. Ireland, he recalled, was particularly traumatic.

“I ended up doing three tours of Northern Ireland and I was only 18 when I first went there. It was in Londonderry, so we were right in the heart of the troubles,” said Barry.

“I had grenades thrown at me, mortars fired in my direction and 15 rounds of ammunition from an Armalite rifle shot at me. Luckily I survived to tell the tale.”

During his army career, Barry travelled all around the world. Hong Kong was one of the furthest flung places he visited.

As a Guardsman, he also did six trooping of the colour events in London. This was wearing the bearskin hats and uniforms the Guardsmen are renowned for.

After leaving the army, Barry worked in security before retiring.

In recent years, his mobility suffered and he was unable to get out of his chair without the aid of a hoist which our carers helped him with. We visited him four times a day to support with this and other tasks such as personal care and meal preparation. We also helped with his shopping, cleaning and provided some companionship.

Barry enjoyed playing computer games which require you to build things, like cities, and he also liked to collect items from military history, with the Romans being a particular interest. Among the items he collected included a replica of a Roman Centurion’s uniform.

Even though we only supported Barry for a brief time, he said he was very happy with the support we provided.

“The last company I used dropped me out of the hoist so needless to say that was the last thing they did,” said Barry during our interview.

“Caremark have been brilliant. They respect my privacy and independence but it’s nice to know they are here so I can maintain my life at home.”

RIP Barry, a true hero.

click here for more details or to contact Caremark Doncaster, Bassetlaw and West Lindsey