A former Royal Marine who spent nearly 30 years serving in the military is continuing his commitment to supporting others as Lead Bereavement Officer at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
Tim Mortimer, 61, joined the Royal Marines in 1987 after deciding he wanted a career that offered excitement and challenge.
Originally from York and now living in Walsall, he had been working in engineering before visiting a careers’ office, where he made the decision to enlist.
After completing 30 weeks of intensive training, Tim was posted to his first unit in Plymouth in 1988.
During his military career, he completed specialist Arctic, desert and jungle warfare training, travelled to the Far East during the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997. He had operational tours in Iraq in Northern Ireland in 1998, Iraq in 2002 and Afghanistan in 2006.
Tim served for almost 30 years in the Royal Marines, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer.
During the final nine years of his military career, he became a Families and Welfare Officer, providing support to service personnel and the families of those who had lost loved ones.
After leaving the Royal Marines in 2016, Tim moved to the West Midlands with his then wife and decided to apply for job as Lead Bereavement Officer at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
The compassion, communication and support skills he developed during his time in the military have proved invaluable in his NHS role, where he helps bereaved families through difficult times in their lives.
Tim said: “Supporting people has always been at the heart of what I do. While I’ve moved from military service to the NHS, the aim is still the same, to be there for people when they need support the most.”
He added: “The experience I gained during my time as a Families and Welfare Officer has helped prepare me for this role. Every family is different, but being able to offer guidance, compassion and reassurance during such a difficult time is a privilege.”
As Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust marks Armed Forces Day, we would like to thank all of our staff and volunteers who have served for their dedication, commitment and service.