Today we meet Phillip 'Barney' Gillespie, a Royal Irish Veteran from Ballymena who lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan - but gained a new purpose. Now a respected cadet instructor, Barney mentors young people with courage and conviction, helping shape the next generation of service minded youth. His story is one of resilience, humour and refusing to let injury define legacy.

This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, this episode is one you won’t forget.

Jay Millar served in the Royal Irish, but his toughest battles came after the uniform came off. Addiction, pain, and hitting rock bottom, only to rise again through faith, purpose, and an unexpected calling: cutting hair. Founder of Jay’s Barber Academy and champion of dignity for the homeless, Jay’s story is about redemption, generosity, and what it really means to come home.

From the Tower of London to Castlerock, one veterans journey as a Yeoman Warder to settling in NI.

Welcome to Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform.

In this episode, we’re joined by Shaun Huggins, a former British Army soldier whose second act saw him don the iconic red and gold of a Yeoman Warder or Beef-eater at the Tower of London. Known for his engaging presence with the public and steeped in centuries-old tradition, Shaun brings a rich ceremonial perspective to what it means to serve. Shaun reflects on identity, heritage, and the quiet pride of life beyond the Tower.