Mikey Allen, an army veteran battling PTSD, built a stone fort on a hill in Caerphilly’s Sirhowy Valley as a coping mechanism. The fort became popular, attracting visitors from Canada and New Zealand. However, due to the lack of proper planning permission, Caerphilly Council has ordered the fort to be demolished. Mikey has accepted this decision and plans to rebuild a new version of the fort using cement to make it more durable.
The project started in 2019 when Mikey was homeless and given permission by local farmers to build on their land. He collected stones and gradually constructed a two-storey tower, which eventually evolved into the current stone fort. Building the fort became a therapeutic process for Mikey, helping him cope with his struggles. Since leaving the army, Mikey has faced challenges like flashbacks, depression, and homelessness, but the fort has provided him with a creative outlet and a sense of purpose.
The fort has been used for wellbeing gatherings and charity work, supporting the rehabilitation of veterans and others with mental health issues. Despite its popularity and positive impact, Caerphilly Council deemed the fort as a recreational rather than an agricultural structure, necessitating planning permission. Mikey appreciated the support the fort received from the community but understood the council’s decision to enforce planning laws consistently.
Looking towards the future, Mikey remains optimistic about rebuilding the fort. He aims to create two separate structures, a barn and a bothy, for public use, with the appropriate planning permissions in place. While he acknowledges the council’s decision and the need to dismantle the current fort, he is focused on the long-term durability of the new structure. Mikey’s resilience and determination to overcome his struggles through creative projects like the fort exemplify his journey towards healing and recovery.
Mikey’s story highlights the therapeutic benefits of engaging in creative and constructive activities to cope with mental health challenges. The fort symbolizes his resilience and ability to transform adversity into a source of strength and inspiration. Despite the setback of having to demolish the fort, Mikey’s positive outlook and plans for reconstruction demonstrate his commitment to creating a lasting legacy that can benefit the community for years to come. His journey serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, community support, and self-discovery in overcoming difficult circumstances and finding hope amidst adversity.
