Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Film student to make ‘Life After War’ documentary
Twenty-six-year-old Wayne Sharrocks from Knaresborough is a second year BA (Hons) Filmmaking student at our University but until three years ago, he was a member of the British Army.
On 3 June 2011 Wayne was severely injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) on his second tour of Afghanistan. He was flown back to the UK where he received medical attention and luckily recovered with just a few scars.
Wayne is now hoping to use his education and filmmaking talents to make his documentary, ‘Life After War’, which will see him travel around the UK speaking to ex-soldiers, charities and organisations.
To fund the project, Wayne has launched a Kickstarter campaign in the hope of receiving backing from people across the world. To date the campaign has raised £1,455 of a £2,080 goal. Money raised will go towards equipment and travel expenses.
Speaking about the project, Wayne said: “The years after leaving the army were by far the hardest of my life. I have suffered from severe depression, anxiety, financial issues and isolation - at times I have felt completely helpless and alone.
“However, I am lucky to have a supportive family around me who have managed to get me the help that I needed before things spiralled completely out of control. Finding a focus in filmmaking at The Northern Film School has also given me something to channel my energy into.
“The reason I am making this film is to signpost army veterans to help and make them realise they are not alone - no one who serves their country should ever feel alone. It is the film that I would have liked to have seen when I was going through dark times.
“I believe I can use what I have learnt at Leeds Beckett to help others. I have the ability to make films and raise the awareness of such plights.
“I hope that people will be generous and not only see how important this project is to me, but all army veterans across the UK.”