A Lanarkshire father and Iraq war veteran has opened up about how support from the Armed Forces charity SSAFA helped him through his darkest days when debt threatened to overwhelm his life. John McGuigan, 41, now plans to give back by taking on an abseiling challenge alongside his 10-year-old daughter Sophie.
John, from Uddingston, had always dreamed of joining the Army, inspired by his father and uncles who had all served. He enlisted at age 17 after being an Army cadet from age 12, and went on to serve eight years with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. However, transitioning to civilian life proved difficult.
Struggles with Debt
Facing challenges in finding stable work and managing household bills, John soon found himself spending beyond his means. His debt began to spiral, and he faced eviction from his Airdrie flat due to unpaid rent. The financial strain took a toll on his mental health.
“I didn’t even know what council tax was when I left the Army,” John said. “We were all weekend millionaires, and by the end of the week we were skint. The trouble was I carried that mentality across.”
Realising he needed help, John turned to SSAFA. “For me it was an embarrassing situation. I believed that to ask for help was a sign of weakness but SSAFA really held my hand,” he said. “All I needed was a fresh start. Without SSAFA’s help I would have dug a bigger hole for myself. It was like quicksand; SSAFA helped me get out of it and there was no going back.”
Giving Back
Now settled with his wife Stacey and their three children, John is determined to give back to the charity that helped him rebuild his life. On June 20, he and Sophie will take part in an epic abseil challenge at the Kelpies in Falkirk, raising funds to support other veterans, serving personnel, and their families across Scotland.
The challenge is deeply personal for John. Not only did SSAFA support him, but his beloved grandfather, George Kirkland, was a dedicated SSAFA volunteer. George served 37 years in the South Staffordshire Regiment and volunteered for 25 years with SSAFA’s Lanarkshire Branch before his passing in 2013.
“My papa used to give so much of his time to help people who were ex-Forces, like himself, or who had married into the Forces. I have always tried to replicate what he was like, and I feel as if he has passed the mantle on to me now,” John said.
To donate to John’s fundraising for SSAFA, visit his fundraising page. To find out more and sign up to the Kelpies Aerial Experience, visit ssafa.org.uk/the-kelpies.
