Larkhill Reactive Maintenance Team Unites to Support Colleague Facing Life-Altering Challenges

In an inspiring act of solidarity, several members of the Reactive Maintenance team at Larkhill recently joined forces to support a colleague facing life-altering challenges. Eddie Stead, Estates General Manager for Larkhill and Warminster, took the lead in spearheading a compassionate initiative that highlighted the tight-knit community within the team. 

While on holiday in July 2023, Multiskilled M&E engineer, Kevin McLoughlin, found himself in a life-changing road traffic accident that resulted in the loss of his left leg among other severe injuries. After spending four months in the hospital, Kevin was released and became wheelchair-bound, while awaiting the crafting of a prosthetic leg in early 2024.  

To assist Kevin with reintegrating into his home, Eddie and a group of team members generously volunteered a working day to perform essential maintenance tasks around his house. Eight dedicated engineers—Gary Mills, Mark Colley, Steve Taylor, Chris Sheridan, Mark Jackson, Alan Payne, Steve Reynolds, and Ken Preece—selflessly devoted their time and skills to address various tasks crucial for Kevin’s well-being.  

The low-level maintenance tasks included patio washing, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, fishpond clearance, and the installation of lights. These needs were identified during a home visit, and the team sought permission to execute them as part of a one-time project aimed at assisting Kevin in settling back into his home.  

Reflecting on the initiative, Eddie Stead remarked, “Our teams have once again demonstrated the true meaning of camaraderie. It’s heartening to witness everyone coming together to make a positive impact on Kevin’s life during this challenging time.”  

The team gathered at Kevin’s residence, a charming bungalow located near Salisbury in the village of Porton, where Kevin and Kathy McLoughlin live.

Kathy McLoughlin, Kevin’s spouse, expressed her overwhelming gratitude for the unexpected support from the team and Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL). She shared, “There’s not many companies who do that, and Kevin’s only worked with Aspire for a year. They’ve been fantastic since the first week. You don’t usually expect that level of kindness from strangers, and they’ve just been brilliant, right from the first day; I got this big bouquet of flowers and a lovely card signed by Kevin’s colleagues.”  

“Without the lights, Kevin wouldn’t be able to get round the house at night with the wheelchair”, Kathy continued, and recounting the unexpected outpouring of care and compassion, added, “It’s been quite uplifting, actually. It’s just amazing cause we didn’t expect this. People have been so kind, and everyone was constantly checking in. Especially Ed, he was always calling and texting to check in on Kevin.” 

Kevin McLoughlin, visibly moved by the support, shared, “I’m very grateful to the lads I work with who’ve come around to give me help and support and everything. It was touch and go for the first few weeks whether I was going survive, and Kathy had to make the hard decision of amputating the leg because it was so badly smashed up. I’m so grateful for the support received during that time.” 

Acknowledging the generous support from ADSL, Eddie Stead added, “I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Aspire Defence Services Limited for their unwavering support in granting the volunteer days and supporting this impactful initiative. Their commitment to improving the wellbeing of all Aspire teams and individuals has played a crucial role in making this compassionate endeavour possible.” 

This remarkable story of compassion and resilience serves as a testament to the strength of the bonds within ADSL, and the extraordinary impact we can have on the lives of our colleagues. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Kevin McLoughlin on his journey towards recovery.