This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.

Claire Squires – We had the opportunity to speak to the other co-founder of Trafford Veterans CIC following in the footsteps of her Grandad who created the Galantary Medal League and hear about her life growing up in Trafford, joining the Naval Reserves aged 17 and going on to serve in the Royal Navy on one of our biggest aircraft carriers as a helicopter technician. Claire also shares how she was moulded by military service running through her own family, a lifeling sense of duty to others and her own struggles moving on with her children from domestic violence – including how she was let down twice in her career in the Navy and Police, by the system when she needed the support. She also talks about creating, running and growing Trafford Vets with some wise words on the importance of peer mentoring, teamwork and ensuring that even the people who run charities need support too.