Crewe veteran, Jerry Bradley's 50 years since joining the Royal Navy has been marked with a surprise ceremony featuring naval and British Army dignitaries awarding a special beret and cap badge in recognition of his service.  

Joining the 68-year-old at his home, Belong Crewe, Brookhouse Drive, family, friends, and carers shared a 'This is Your Life'-style presentation of Jerry's life to-date full of happy childhood memories, life milestones, and anecdotes of his years of proud service to his country.     

With his original beret lost decades prior, Belong carers enlisted the help of the Royal Navy to replace the item, meanwhile co-ordinating the surprise with the Brookhouse Drive village's former exercise specialist and fellow Forces veteran, Zoë Robson.  

Jerry said: "Receiving my beret again after all these years means more than words can say. I can't thank you all enough for organising this day for me."  

Having enrolled in the warfare force at 18 as a cook, Jerry developed a creative flair for food whilst climbing the ranks to lead caterer, cooking for up 500 sailors at sea, and 2,000 when on shore. 

In 2018, Jerry Bradley made a new home in Crewe, choosing Belong where he has relearned to walk with aids for support (Photo: Nub News).

14 years of assignments saw Jerry in waters in and around Iceland, Norway, the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, Falkland Islands, and the West Indies, including supporting missions during the Cold War.  

It was 1987 whilst stationed at HMS Heron, Yeovil, when a serious road traffic collision left Jerry paralysed down one side and wheelchair bound. 

With rehabilitation failing to provide the full results required, he was eventually medically discharged four years later. 

Despite the life-changing event, Jerry has remained a proud veteran, continuing to attend service events and support the veteran community.  

In 2018, he made a new home in Crewe, choosing Belong where he has relearned to walk with aids for support. 

Working one-to-one with Zoë, it took less than one year to achieve the remarkable feat using a bespoke programme designed around Jerry's needs, utilising the in-house gym's specialist equipment. 

His determination has taken him from being a full-time wheelchair user to being able to climb three flights of stairs.   

Jerry has since gone on to embrace Belong life; a popular character at the village, he can often be found enjoying one of many of its experiences and activities, including gym workouts, its walking club, pub outings, church services, and, naturally, cooking. 

Experience coordinator at Belong Crewe, Jodie Challinor, said: "The Navy is hugely important to Jerry and his life, and we've supported him to attend many functions over the years, including Remembrance Sunday, so we know how much it means to him.

" We wanted to do something special, and we couldn't be more grateful to Zoë, the Royal Navy, and British Army for their assistance in making it all happen. Congratulations, Jerry."

More information about Belong Crewe can be found HERE or by emailing [email protected].

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