A FORMER Army servicewoman from Craven Arms who finally feels she belongs to a military family 40 years after being forced to leave the Army due to her sexuality, has won a competition to have her stunning photography featured in Help for Heroes’ new 2023 calendar.

Jean Macdonald, 65, is one of six amateur photographers from the Armed Forces community to have her talents showcased in the calendar, which celebrates the great outdoors and is on sale now.

She is the only contributor to have five images selected which all depict the spectacular Shropshire countryside around where she lives.

Ms Macdonald was unaware of her sexuality when she joined the Army at the age of 19. She was a driver and then a physical training instructor but at 23 she was subjected to abuse and forced to leave the career she loved because she was gay, which was banned in the British armed forces until January 2000.

“I thought that the military charities would turn me away due to being discharged, it means a lot to me to be able to ‘feel’ that I am a veteran again with Help for Heroes,” said Ms Macdonald.

“I am so chuffed and honoured to have my images selected as I now at long last feel a part of the military family that I have felt excluded from for so many years. The best part about taking photos is being out with nature and my camera. It helps me to be in the moment and therefore reduces my PTSD symptoms.

“I marched at the Cenotaph with Fighting With Pride last year as it was the first time LGBTQ+ veterans were permitted to do so. I was proud to wear my Women’s Royal Army Corps cap badge and beret for the first time in 40 years after been discharged for being gay. I’m also proud that my poppy image was chosen for the month of November as the flower is a symbol of Remembrance and hope.”

Help for Heroes launched photography courses during lockdown to help veterans in their recovery through fighting social isolation, providing a routine and generating a sense of pride and achievement.

Since then, the virtual and face-to-face meet-ups with professional photographer, Siorna Ashby, have attracted hundreds of veterans and their families who all learn how to improve their picture-taking skills, whether using a camera or a mobile phone.