‘Stranded in Thailand, we had nowhere to turn until the RBL came to our rescue’
A Lincolnshire family have told how birthday celebrations in a Thai paradise turned into a nightmare when their flights were cancelled leaving them stranded. With money running out and both their airline and insurance provider failing to help they felt they had nowhere to turn, until a friend suggested they give the Royal British Legion a call.
Lisa and Kevin Fallon, from Grantham, have spoken about the stress and financial strain of being stuck in Thailand during the start of the Middle East conflict back in March. Initially celebrating Lisa turning 50 with a group of family and friends, the group learnt that all flights had been cancelled and they would have no way of getting home in the days that followed.
Having exhausted all options with their airline, being refused cover from their insurance company and running low on money due to paying out for additional hotels, new flights and essential medication, a friend suggested that they reach out to the RBL as Kevin is a former RAF Sergeant and his friend was also being ex-service.
Lisa said: “When the Middle East conflict began, we were notified by our airline that our flights home had been cancelled, and I immediately contacted our insurance company to see how they could help us through our cover. However, they stated that the conflict was an ‘act of war’ and refused point blank to support in anyway.
“We started trying to book new flights, spent hours online daily trying to get answers, and had even gone to the airport after paying out thousands, only to be turned away. It was very draining; we were having to change hotels every few days and there seemed to be nowhere to turn.
“However, after approaching the RBL, they were on the phone straight away to find out more about our situation and it was the best thing we could have done. Practically and emotionally the RBL case officer was there to help, and never did I think that an armed forces charity would be the ones to reach out and aid in such a situation.”
The RBL provided Lisa and Kevin with practical guidance through its overseas network in Thailand, as well as an emergency financial grant to help cover essential bills back home. The additional funding provided by the RBL also offered reassurance that their autistic adult son, who had remained in the UK, was supported while his parents were stranded.
Lisa said: "Just having the RBL there to talk things through with and ease the pressure of our financial worries was invaluable. Their support meant we could cover our living costs and commitments back home while trying to secure expensive flights back to the UK. They also supported our friend, who had previously served in the Armed Forces and was stranded with us, and he was just as grateful.
“I never realised how much the RBL could help until we found ourselves in such a desperate situation. They were with us every step of the way when no one else was, even making sure everything was in place for our son back home. You never expect something like this to happen and assume your airline, insurance company or the government will help. For us, it was the RBL that came to our rescue. I'm incredibly grateful and hope more people know that if you've served, or are serving, the Armed Forces, the RBL is there to support you whatever the circumstances.”
Lisa and Kevin, along with their group, made it back to the UK almost two weeks on from their original return date. They are now being supported further by the RBL, with the charity helping to look at ways to enhance their son’s independence and pursue financial aid for his needs.