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BUSINESS URGED TO HELP OUR WOUNDED HEROES
25-11-2008
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Guildford businesses were urged to join the front line in the fight to help soldiers recovering from serious wounds suffered in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Afghanistan veteran Lt Colonel Simon Butt described life for the soldiers – typically aged just 19 - “in almost daily contact with the enemy, fighting in 50 Deg. C temperatures while carrying 80lb of kit”. He recently returned from commanding B Company, the 2nd Battalion Mercians (WFR) in Helmand Province. Whilst there he led them in a 12 hour battle, in which one of his men died and another won the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. “The threat was all pervading, 360 degrees,” he added.
The charity Help for Heroes has already raised a staggering £13m for improved facilities at the UK’s military rehabilitation centre, Headley Court in Surrey and an expanded centre for the treatment of combat stress. Now it plans a lifelong support network, including employers prepared to offer training, job opportunities and mentoring.
Rob Cotton, Rector of Holy Trinity Church, said it was the first major event to be held at The Trinity Centre, the revamped church hall off Guildford High Street. Urging support for the wounded veterans, he said: “I worry what happens to those people who have paid, not with their lives but with their bodies after the spotlight moves on.”
The breakfast presentation was sponsored by The Wilky Group, a local property development and investment business, and organised jointly with Surry Chambers of Commerce. It attracted an audience of nearly 80 including the High Sheriff of Surrey, Sally Varah, the Mayor, Cllr Jennifer Jordan, and local MP Anne Milton.
For details of the charity, go to www.helpforheroes.org.uk or call 0845 673 1760.
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