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BUSINESS URGED TO HELP OUR WOUNDED HEROES
30-06-2008
Surrey business turned out in force to learn how they could help soldiers as they recover from serious wounds suffered in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Lt Colonel Simon Butt’s graphic description of combat during in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province stunned his audience to silence. During a six-month tour of duty as a company commander, his men of B Company The 2nd Battalion Mercians (WFR) were in almost daily contact with the enemy, fighting in 50 Deg. C temperatures while carrying 80lb of kit.
Unfortunately, from the company two men were killed and several seriously injured; one of whom is currently attending the UK’s only military rehabilitation centre, Headley Court in Surrey.
The charity, Help for Heroes, aims to raise £10m by October 1. Having already hit its £6m target to provide a swimming pool and gym for Headley Court, one of its next objectives is to support casualties once they have recovered. Richard Fell, the coordinating fundraiser for Surrey, said: “The next step is to help them make the transition to their new military or civilian lives. We hope business will contribute its expertise, provide job opportunities, offer sponsorship or encourage staff to organise fund-raisers. While an injury might have changed or closed one chapter of someone’s life it can, with assistance, open a new one. Today’s wounded soldier may be tomorrow’s successful entrepreneur.”
More than 40 business leaders attended the breakfast briefing, sponsored by The Wilky Group at its Parallel Business Centre, Fetcham Park House near Leatherhead. Wilky plans to repeat the event at several other locations to give Help For Heroes a chance to develop its business support network.
For details, go to www.helpforheroes.org.uk or call 0845 673 1760.
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