Conrad’s model behaviour is given new lease of life

Thanks to the Association, injured Army veteran Conrad Molloy now has a dedicated workspace in which he can pursue his model making hobby.

Conrad served with the Royal Anglian Regiment for nine years before his left leg was amputated below the knee after he was injured by a bomb blast in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 2000.

Eight years ago, he reconnected with a childhood hobby; model making. When his pastime began to take over the family living room, Blesma stepped in to fund a workshop in the Molloys’ garden that would allow Conrad a private space in which to focus his mind and pursue his passion.

“The shed has been brilliant – it is even kitted out with electricity for my tools!” said Conrad, who is now spending up to six hours a day creating 1:35 scale military themed models.

“Because of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder my hands shake when I get nervous. When I am concentrating it gets a lot better, and model making gives me a focus – it calms me down when I’m stressed out. I’m so grateful for the shed.”

Since getting the workshop in December 2019, Conrad has made more than 40 models, including battlefield dioramas, WWII tanks and even a Star Wars X-Wing.

“The workshop has been a godsend,” said Conrad’s wife, Donna. “I’ve got my dining table and living room back. It’s perfect because when Conrad is out in his workshop, he’s happy. His mind is on model making and not on other things. It means he sleeps well at night and neither of us suffers for it.”