Royal Marine with 30 years' service faces new battle — to keep family home
An Angus marine who is being forced from his home after taking a desk job to look after his cancer-stricken wife has resigned.
- By Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 23.08.11
- Published online : 23.08.11 @ 11.47am
Royal Marine David Millard (47) has handed in his notice as he fights to keep his family in their specially-adapted Arbroath home.
His wife Wendy (38) said the Ministry of Defence's fight to get them out had been a major factor in her husband's decision to quit after over 30 years of service.
A civil summary cause case — taken in the name of Lord Wallace of Tankerness against David Millard — called at Arbroath Sheriff Court on Monday.
It was continued until October — but if the application is granted then it would give the couple and their two children, Mollie (11) and Cameron (9), four weeks to move out of their semi-detached East Muirlands Road home, which is owned by the armed forces.
Mr Millard said he could not comment on the ongoing proceedings. However, his wife said the eviction fears have put added strain on her own failing health and home life.
Mrs Millard, who is preparing to go into Ninewells Hospital for treatment, said: "This has put a real strain on our relationship — we're now two different people. That's the reason why he had to put his notice in, because I couldn't stick it any more.
Devotion
"The Royal Marines was his entire life — the amount of devotion he still gives them considering what he's getting back is unbelievable. Through all the bad weather we had last year he would drive as far as he could to Edinburgh and kept a mountain bike in the boot to make sure he got in to the office. He did his cruciate ligament on Christmas Eve and was meant to have six weeks off work then rehabilitation and he went straight to his work on January 6.
"The kids have only really known this house. It's been extremely stressful because we don't know when we could be put out of the house. That's what terrifies me."
In 2006, Mrs Millard was diagnosed with cancer and her spine had started to crumble. Due to late diagnosis, there is little that can be done to treat her condition.
Continued...
10.07am - 25.08.2011 barry - dundee, city of, scotland, uk Report This
Surely an accomodation can be found between the MoD and Angus Council: for goodness sake the woman has cancer, and her husband has paid his dues with his service to this country! If that wasn't enough, there are children involved. GET IT SORTED!!!
12.35pm - 05.09.2011 annon - sligo, Ireland Report This
If these people were refugees they would be given everything but no Dave has served his country for 30 years and Wendy has stood by him through think or thin. This is an outrage and should not be aloud to happen. It is time the government stepped in and stopped this now.
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