Brothers hit back against mental scars of warfare

Tim and Anthony Johnson have spent the last eight months developing their yellow ribbon campaign. The brothers last week began selling the flexible, magnetic yellow ribbon, which says “Support Our Soldiers” and can attach to any vehicle.

Tim, 26, who did his MA in war studies, said: “During my studies, I found out more veterans of the Falklands War have killed themselves in the years since the conflict ended than died during hostilities.

“With the ongoing campaign in the Middle East, we dread to think of what the knock-on effects are going to be for soldiers and their families in years to come.

“[The charity] Combat Stress makes a massive difference and helps heal the mental and emotional scars of war for our brave servicemen and women.”

The brothers designed the ribbon themselves after being inspired by a similar one sold in America.

Anthony, 23, who speaks Mandarin, oversaw the production of the ribbons in China. Tim, who works for the Red Cross in Worthing, added: “We really hope our yellow ribbon will become as well-known as other ribbons, like the pink, breast cancer campaign ones.

“We are hoping a large retailer will come on board and help us reach our £100,000 target.”

Since 2005, Combat Stress has had a caseload that has increased by 75 per cent and is growing all the time.

Most recently, the Prince of Wales has launched the charity’s new three-year appeal to raise £30million so it can provide the full support the country’s soldiers need.

Anthony, 23, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, and hope that everyone from Worthing and the surrounding areas will get involved.”

Each yellow ribbon costs £2.99. To buy one, visit www.showyoursupport.co.uk

Follow the brothers’ yellow ribbon campaign on Twitter @YellwRibnCampgn