Supporting Our Armed Forces Community
With our own family ties to the Army and RAF, we understand only too well the sacrifices that are made by those who serve and have served. They keep our land, air and seas safe while we are sleeping and spend long periods of time away from those they love to do so.
Matthew’s father, Brigadier Douglas Graham Stock L/RAMC, FRCS, order of St. John and former Queens Honorary Surgeon dedicated his life to helping wounded servicemen, one of the most incredible souls I have ever met. Admired immensely and terribly missed, it is in his memory that we dedicate our commitment to not only The Armed Forces Covenant but the wonderful charity Give Us Time.
Give Us Time
We are truly honoured to support Give Us Time by offering short breaks to the incredible families they help. The charity’s mission — to give military and service families the chance to rest, heal, and reconnect — is something we care about deeply. With our own family ties to both the Army and the RAF, this cause is especially close to our hearts. Behind every break is a story of sacrifice, strength, and love, and it means the world to us to be able to give something back to those who have given so much.
Alex Youngs, Operations Director, Give Us Time, said, “We’re hugely grateful to Terri and Matthew for their generosity, which will allow us to offer breaks to families in a new area of the country.
We are sure that their wonderful properties, in such a peaceful location, will help so many families find those precious moments together to rest and reconnect, away from the everyday pressures of military life”.
"After a difficult few months, this break was exactly what our family needed. The location is stunning, with incredible walks right on the doorstep, and the whole atmosphere encourages you to unwind and reconnect. Being able to bring our dog along made it even more special, as it truly felt like a family holiday for all of us. "
After setting up a partnership with Give Us Time, the team began to write our pledge and application to join the Armed Forces Covenant.
We are pleased to say that Kidlandlee is now part of the covenant and in our own little way we will endeavour to do the following: (These are abbreviated, a full description can viewed on request).
Employment: Strive to support the employment of veterans, service partners and spouses, endeavouring to offer a degree of flexibility in granting leave for Serving spouses/ partners before, during and after a partner’s deployment.
Promoting the Armed Forces: Promoting that we are an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and promoting Armed Forces Events within our local community to our guest.
Cadet Organisations: supporting local military cadet units where we can and recognising the benefits of employing cadets/ex-cadets within the workforce.
Commercial Support: Working in partnership with the charity Give Us Time in order to donate life-changing breaks supporting families affected by separation, as well as those affected by mental or physical health issues, bereavement, or the demands of military life.
Matthew’s father joined the Army in 1965 and served for 32 years in various locations including Oman, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Belize, Germany and London.
His career began as a consultant in general surgery but his primary interest however, was in Orthopaedics. He went on to become senior Orthopaedic Surgeon for the Tri-Services which led to his appointment as Queens Honorary Surgeon.
He was invited to lecture internationally on the treatment of missile injuries having gained wide experience during his various postings.
A man with his feet firmly planted on the ground he never lost his love of gardening, Derbyshire, walking in the hills and mountains. He even climbed beyond base camp on Everest with the Gurkhas and other regiments based at Dharan.
A dedicated Doctor, solider, husband and father he left his wife of 59 years, Barbara, a daughter, son and seven grandchildren to whom he continues to be incredibly missed.
Brigadier Douglas Graham Stock L/RAMC, FRCS 1937 – 2020
The next generation of our family to serve comes through Terri’s son Tom, to whom his step-grandfather, Douglas Graham, was very proud.
With six years as an air cadet and three years as a drone instructor for search and rescue teams, Tom joined the RAF.
However, during a training exercise, Tom suffered a life-changing injury. The strength, resilience and bravery required of soldiers now refocused on a new battle, life without a lower right leg.
It is through the incredible support of the RAF family, SSAFA, PTSD Resolution, the RAF Benevolent fund and the incredible teams at DMRC (to whom Brigadier Stock would have been proud), that our family — and Tom — are supported today.
“The support that I have received during this incredibly tough time has been amazing. I know that whatever the outcome my future is bright – weather in or out of service. It is charities like Give Us Time that pull us through difficult and dark times, and I am so proud of Team Kidlandlee for supporting the armed forces covenant and embracing the wider armed forces community.” – Tom
Tom’s injury is still a working progress and he has along way to go, but we know his tenacity as solider will pull him through.
