An Army veteran from South Wales has set up two businesses after being the 100th wounded, injured and sick veteran to attend a self-employment course funded by Help for Heroes.
Carl Marsh, of Llantwit Major, South Wales has launched a celebrity interview website and a swimming instruction business thanks to support from the military charity.
He left the Army in 2010 after 12 years of service and one tour in Northern Ireland before he suffered a spinal injury and seven other health related issues which lead to him being medically discharged.
From there, he worked in the accounts department of the NHS but due to his injuries, he soon realised that this career would not work for him long term. The NHS did not provide the supportive framework he was afforded while in the army.
“The only option I had in the NHS was to work reduced hours. This proved to be a barrier for any future development and I felt demoralised. Ultimately, I knew things needed to change. Developing my own ideas and interests has been really rewarding – being self-employed is the best thing I’ve ever done.”
In 2012 Carl set up www.inthewordsof.com a celebrity interview website. Initially the website focused on interviewing authors but has now expanded into a platform where a variety of celebrities talk about their lives, their work and other general chatter.
“I enjoyed doing the interviews and was determined to make a success of the blog. I guess it was the military ethos where I got my drive from.
