A moving new book offering hope to military veterans and their families has been launched.
Backed by England football legend Terry Butcher, You Are Not Alone,written by Suffolk primary school teacher Rob Parker, raises awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among military veterans and their families.
Terry’s son, Christopher, died in 2017 aged just 35 from a condition linked to PTSD – and the ex-football legend believes the book will help prevent future tragedies.
That’s why he was centre stage at Arlingtons in Ipswich on Thursday November 20 (pictured), to help launch the book.
Terry said: “Nothing like this was available when my son was alive. When I read it, it really hit home and I could relate to it deeply. It resonates across generations, showing how the fallout of trauma affects the entire family. PTSD can feel like a ticking time bomb, with an unpredictable fuse. This book will give hope and support to so many.”
The event saw a full room gather as Terry and Combat2Coffee Founder Nigel Seaman spoke about the realities of PTSD. One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Mandy Small, Combat2Coffee’s Outreach Support Officer, shared her family’s experience after her husband took his own life, followed by her son, who explained how Combat2Coffee helped their family.
Told through the perspectives of veteran Jack, his wife Sarah, and their two children, the story captures the hidden struggles faced by families when a loved one returns home from military service.
Author Rob said: “You Are Not Alone is a book for everyone. Chris’s story was heartbreakingly real, and I wanted to blend that truth with the fictional world of Jack and his family. The key message is that asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness. The book also highlights where people can find the support they need.”
The idea for You Are Not Alone was sparked by a “chance encounter” between Rob and Combat2Coffee founder and CEO Nigel Seaman. Moved by the stories Nigel shared, Rob wanted to amplify their mission through his writing.
Nigel said: “This book reflects my heart and the journey that led to the creation of Combat2Coffee. The challenges of military and veterans’ mental health cast long shadows – not only over me and those I’ve served alongside, but also across our families. Change is happening. Slowly, steadily, and with purpose. There’s still a long way to go, but thanks to allies like Rob – who believed in our cause and helped bring this book to life-we are firmly on the right path.”
Donations from book profits to be reinvested into Combat2Coffee, while charities Scotty’s Little Soldiers and The Not Forgotten, supporting bereaved children and socially isolated veterans, will also benefit.
You Are Not Alone retails at £12 and is available to purchase from Combat2Coffee’s online shop here:https://www.combat2coffee.co.uk/product/you-are-not-alone-book/
