“I’m an Armed Forces veteran. I’ve served my country, but now I’m forced to fight a different battle — against Universal Credit.

After cataract surgery on both eyes, with complications, I’ve been left housebound and recovering under strict medical advice. Despite sending fit notes and medical evidence, I’m still treated like I’m ‘self-employed’ and pressured into unsafe appointments.

As veterans, we’re trained never to give up — and I won’t. But no one who has served, or any citizen, should have to fight this hard just to be heard and supported when they’re sick.

The Big Issue has already exposed how vendors are sanctioned and bullied by the system. I’m adding my voice to theirs. It’s time the public saw what Universal Credit is really doing to claimants.”