"They go to foreign fields to protect our country so that we can live the way we do" - Alan Soutar calls for support to military personnel and veterans

Alan Soutar is a man who does a lot away from the oche. From being a firefighter to training guide dogs and even running marathons, his life is very busy when you also put darts in the fray. His contribution to charity and helping other out has not been ignored with him recently speaking at a charity event raising money for military mental health charities

Formerly in the army, Soutar joined the Army Cadet Force when he was 13 and spent a grand total of nine years as a commando in the British Army, spending time in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Ireland.

He spoke to Oche180 about the Operation Bullseye event organised by the Defence Darts Community in an attempt to raise more money. This is a very personal issue for Soutar who is trying to help in whatever way he can, touching on how hard it can be for soldiers when returning with a lasting impact from what they have been through affecting them.

"I think that if you know, you know. And I think for the people that don't know, it's maybe a good thing that you don't," he began.

"But when you encounter a veteran or a soldier who's done multiple tours in Afghanistan, seen horrendous things, lost mates, lost comrades, or people who've lost family members, wives who've lost husbands, husbands who've lost wives, I don't think you can fully understand that unless you were there with them and served alongside them. So many people are affected by it. They stand on the wall and protect us, and they go to foreign fields to protect our country so that we can live the way we do now.

He was willing to do his part to help out. "To give a little bit back and have some understanding of what they may be going through is huge. If the military charities that are here tonight can take a little bit of money from what's raised here and help one soldier or one veteran each, that will grow and help more people.

"Like I say, I'm more than happy to put my hand in my own pocket and donate, but also to raise awareness and help the guys who look after us."

Events like this gets people together, and in this case the darts community. Darts has been synonymous with fans and players having a great relationship which in turn reflects in this event according to 'Soots'.

"Everyone always talks about the darts family, and this is no greater example of that," he continued. "When we're on tour together, everyone's mates. There aren't any niggles or anything like that—it's just good people, and everyone's friendly. Yes, you want to beat each other on the dartboard, but it's such a big family."

This bond in the military goes up a notch. "These guys are a different kind of family, though," he admitted. "They spend a lot more time together. We're on the road a lot, but these guys are away for six months, nine months, serving on submarines for months on end underwater. That's a different level of togetherness."

He concluded by praising all involved. "So I really appreciate that family aspect of it and the way these guys are looked after. From my side, and with everything Zara and the team do, I don't think they get enough plaudits for what they've achieved."