Visit to Troop Aid Warehouse

We were honoured to have a visit from blinded war veteran Paul and his partner Renata to our warehouse.

Great to see you Paul and really looking forward to working with you.

Troop Aid have known Paul since he was injured in Afghanistan in 2009. We first met Paul in his hospital bed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where we supported him with our emergency packs and many other pieces of kit to help him in his hour of need.  

A Defining Moment in Afghanistan

While serving in Afghanistan as a VALLON man – responsible for detecting explosives – Paul’s role placed him at the forefront of danger. During a mission, a devastating explosion changed his life forever. The blast inflicted severe injuries, leaving him blind and in a coma for a month.

Despite these life-altering injuries, Paul’s courage never wavered. Even in the chaos of that moment, he guided his team to safety, demonstrating extraordinary leadership under extreme pressure. His recovery was as much mental as it was physical. Reflecting on his journey from coma to recovery, he notes, “Among all of my physical wounds, the biggest scar is on my heart.” Even as he got back on his feet, the major challenge was to overcome the feeling that at 20 years old, his life was over and not worth living anymore. He mentioned, “The hardest thing to learn is accepting who I am and what I am.” His experiences have instilled in him a profound sense of compassion and humility, teaching him to value people beyond their appearances.

Honoured with the George Medal

In 2010, Paul Jacobs was awarded the George Medal, one of the highest civilian honours for bravery. Presented by Queen Elizabeth II, the medal recognised his extraordinary courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to his unit. His heroism left an undeniable impact on his comrades and the military community, marking him as a soldier of remarkable strength and character.

Paul’s Philosophy: Strength, Purpose, and Legacy

Paul believes that adversity is not a roadblock – it is a challenge to be conquered. His mission is to inspire others to embrace their potential, regardless of the obstacles they face. Through his business ventures, charity work, and adventurous pursuits, he embodies the philosophy that true leadership is about having a clear purpose and the ability to uplift those around you.

His life is a testament to the idea that obstacles are not meant to stop us – they are meant to be overcome. Subsequent to this visit, Paul and Renata supported Troop Aid at the Birmingham International Tattoo in February 2024.