SELFLESS volunteers who support army veterans played their part in the BBC’s DIY SOS television series as the construction team helped to transform a mental health hub in Essex.

Gary Stockton, alongside Lewis Hughes, Ray Warvill, Nathan Winestein and Tony Potts travelled from Colchester to Harlow in October.

Upon arrival, they helped regenerate a bungalow for Butterfly Effect Wellbeing, a group which was founded in 2019 to help those suffering from mental health struggles.

Set up in Harlow by Angie Hannibal and her mum Chris, Butterfly Effect Wellbeing featured on the BBC’s DIY SOS show, a TV programme which involves the SOS team enlisting builders and tradesmen to help families and charity groups.

Ms Hannibal’s mum tragically took her own life in 2020, but Angie has pushed on to build up the hub and help others – something Mr Stockton, who set up Phoenix Heroes, knows a thing or two about.

Gazette: Determined – Gary Stockton set up Phoenix Heroes in 2018 to help people in their next chapter after leaving the Armed ForcesDetermined – Gary Stockton set up Phoenix Heroes in 2018 to help people in their next chapter after leaving the Armed Forces (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

The Colchester-based charity exists to support veterans who have come out of the armed forces, and when Mr Stockton saw an advert on social media for helpers and tradesmen to support Butterfly Effect, he got himself involved straight away.

Having specialised in logistics when he was in the army, Mr Stockton could not help but be impressed by just how organised the DIY SOS team was when he and his four fellow volunteers laid the turf and shifted more than 100 barrels of soil in just one day.

He said: “It was about being part of the project – I just filled out the form and I was asked if I was OK to come and help.

“On the day, we laid the turf and moved probably about 100 barrels of soil – it was full on.

“The thing that drove me towards the project was the fact it was in support of two ladies whose family members had taken their own lives.

Gazette: Apt – Gary Stockton said the work being done by Butterfly Effect Wellbeing resonated strongly with him given how he is helping people who have come out of the Armed ForcesApt – Gary Stockton said the work being done by Butterfly Effect Wellbeing resonated strongly with him given how he is helping people who have come out of the Armed Forces (Image: Newsquest)

“That got me interested in helping in some way given we help veterans with PTSD.”

As for getting on the TV screen, Mr Stockton was not too fussed.

“We didn’t get any time on the TV but we’re not that concerned about that," he added.

“Seeing the community come together was what was really powerful.”