A former Royal Air Force serviceman and member of Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVAC North) has published a deeply personal memoir. The book charts his life after military service, mental health, and recovery, with half of all profits pledged to support the work of Erskine Veterans Charity.

Shaun Moat joined the RAF in 1997 as a steward, inspired by his sister Amanda’s own military service. He was first stationed at RAF Kinloss and later deployed to Kuwait, including during the Iraq war. His duties included serving officers’ meals, working the bar, and providing silver service at official functions.

He later became an air steward with No. 10 Squadron, flying on VC10 aircraft from RAF Brize Norton and travelling extensively around the world. He was medically discharged in 2005 after losing 50 per cent of his hearing in a life-changing moment that marked the abrupt end of his military career.

The years that followed were marked by depression. He also experienced the breakdown of his 20-year marriage. At his lowest point, he attempted to end his life on three occasions.

Purple Hope – How Erskine Saved My Life documents that period, tracing the loss of identity that can follow service. The book reaches a turning point when Shaun sought help through A&E before later finding support at EVAC North, an experience he credits with saving his life. 

EVAC North opened in December 2024, with the aim of providing tailored support to address the unique challenges faced by military veterans, offering a safe and welcoming space for connection, wellbeing, and peer support.

Shaun said: “When I left the RAF, I didn’t just lose my job, I lost my identity, my routine, and my sense of belonging. Things unravelled quickly, and there were moments when I didn’t believe I would still be here. Erskine didn’t judge me or rush me; they simply opened the door and gave me a place to feel safe and understood. EVAC North helped me find my feet, my voice, and my people at a time when I felt completely lost. Donating half of the book’s profits is my way of giving something back, so other veterans know that help is there, and that hope is real.”

Erskine Veterans Charity has supported ex-Service men and women since 1916 and remains Scotland’s leading provider of care and support for veterans and their families. Through its care homes, housing, activity centres and community support services, the charity works to ensure veterans can live with dignity, independence and connection throughout later life and periods of transition.

Purple Hope – How Erskine Saved My Life is available in paperback and Kindle formats at https://amzn.eu/d/0l89h8W

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For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk

At Erskine, we don’t just care for Veterans — we care about them.

The generosity of our supporters allows the charity to maintain our commitment to care for Scotland’s Veterans – without donations we simply cannot continue this work.

 To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.

Erskine Veterans Charity | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity No. SC006609 | The Erskine Home, Erskine Veterans Village, Bishopton, PA7 5PU