Geoff Hargreaves, a 76-year-old Army veteran from Moorside in Oldham, is preparing to return to the football pitch after hip surgery, thanks to support from the charity Help for Heroes.

Mr Hargreaves hopes to resume playing for the England Walking Football team once he completes his rehabilitation. Walking football is a slower-paced version of the game designed for older players, allowing them to stay active and involved in the sport they love. He had spent the past five years playing as a holding midfielder for the England Veterans Over 70s Football Team before osteoarthritis in his hip forced him to stop.

He was diagnosed with the condition in April 2025 and was facing a lengthy wait for surgery. The diagnosis was a significant blow for Mr Hargreaves, who had been playing regularly until the pain became too much. However, the clinical team at Help for Heroes stepped in and contacted his consultant on his behalf, ensuring he received the operation he needed.

Mr Hargreaves served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was deployed to Northern Ireland. He said football had played an important role in his life, both during and after his service.

"I've been living with the impact of some of the things I saw in Northern Ireland for most of my adult life," he said. "I've always played football and not being able to play anymore was really getting me down. It was such an honour to play for the England Veterans' team."

"I met a member of the clinical team at my local Help for Heroes cafe in February and when I explained my situation, they stepped in and spoke to the surgeon's secretary and I've now had my operation. I'll be transferring to the England Walking Football team when I've finished my rehab and I can't wait."

Mr Hargreaves regularly attends a monthly Help for Heroes cafe in Mossley, which is a vital hub for veterans in the Oldham area. Here, veterans and their families can meet, socialise and learn about support services available to former members of the Armed Forces.

Danielle Vyse, who is part of the charity's clinical team supporting veterans across the North West, praised Mr Hargreaves for his work in the community. She herself is a veteran, so she understands the challenges faced by former service personnel.

"He does so much for the local community as a volunteer helping out at the Veterans Food Company charity, with different City in the Community initiatives and a local lunch club for over 60s who live on their own," she said. "As a veteran myself, it's great to see him being able to get back to something he loves."

Mr Hargreaves encouraged other veterans experiencing physical, mental or welfare difficulties, or those feeling isolated, to seek support through the charity's local sessions. Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families with physical and mental health, welfare and social needs across the UK.

For veterans like Mr Hargreaves, the support from Help for Heroes has been life-changing. His determination to return to football is a testament to his resilience, and his story serves as an encouragement for others to seek help and stay active in their communities.