by Hayley Robinson

A mum is appealing for people to support this year’s poppy appeal after the charity saved her son’s life.

Steven Seager (pictured centre) joined the Army in 1999 and did his basic training at the Army Apprentice College in Reading. He then moved on to do his trade training with the Royal School of Signals in Blandford before being deployed to Iraq.

He left the forces in 2004 but by 2010 he was diagnosed as suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

Despite support from friends and family, the 29-year-old, of Victoria Road, Sittingbourne, hit rock bottom. He became withdrawn and was eventually declared bankrupt.

His mum Nicola Seager (pictured centre), who was living away at the time, contacted Combat Stress and Soldiers who put him in touch with the Royal British Legion. As a result he was given clothing vouchers and support in financing a plumbing course.

He now attends the Veterans Outreach Support Group and is supported by other agencies including Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA).

Mrs Seager, who lives with her son, said: "Without them I wouldn’t have him here now. He got to the stage when I got home and he had a bottle of drink and tablets and that was it, he would have gone but they saved him. It’s not just for those who have died it’s for people like Steven.

"I really have my Steven back. He is a positive young man who feels he now has a purpose to carry on with his life.

"I really can’t thank everyone enough for the help, support and love that Steven and myself have received."

To mark the start of the 2012 Poppy Appeal, Steven and his mum were invited to County Hall in Maidstone where Steven and five other ex-servicemen and women helped pin a wave of large poppies onto the building on Friday.

They were then presented with a poppy each by cadets from Ashford 305 Squadron Cadet Force.

Steven said: "The Legion helps so many people and, although I knew about it, I wasn’t aware of how much help they can give. It is not until you ask for help that you realise what they can do for you.

"They don’t only help those that have served but they help the whole family."