In the Media - March
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Success at swimathon MORE than 230 swimmers made a splash for charity on Saturday as they took part in the Rotary Club of Salisbury's fourth annual charity swim-a-thon. The event, which was held at Godolphin School, attracted a record number of teams this year and was hailed by organisers as being the most successful yet. Ron Millar, of the Rotary Club of Salisbury, said: "Every year this event seems to go from strength to strength - this year saw the most people we have ever had turn out to swim and more than 40 different teams taking part. "It's great to see so many people getting involved. We have familiar faces from teams like the Journal and the fire station, who turn out every year, and we also have some teams for whom this is their first year - South Wilts School and the Wessex Swim School, for example. It is especially nice to see so many youngsters joining in the fun and raising money for charity. "In the three years prior to this we have raised more than £32,000 and we are hoping to raise enough this year to take us over the £40,000-mark. "Our recipient charities this year are Help for Heroes, the Alzheimer's Society, Sparks - In memory of Jane Tomlinson MBE, CBE, and a number of smaller, but equally worthy local charities. |
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Notes of support for our heroes On Sunday, April 20, individuals can show a more practical support by attending the concert to be given at The Anvil by the Basingstoke Male Voice Choir and the Army Medical Services Band, Sandhurst. Every seat filled will mean a larger donation to the most applaudable of charities, Help for Heroes, which will provide important therapy for the many soldiers injured in the various conflicts. Let us all make this a very special celebration of St George, our English culture and the many heroes past and present who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Tickets can be booked by telephoning the box office on 01256 844244. Link: www.thisisplymouth.co.uk |
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CITY MARINE INJURED IN AFGHANISTAN TO RUN MARATHO The former Lipson Community College student said: "I know I am incredibly lucky to be alive. "But part of the reason I am here smiling today is because I know I am going to Headley Court and get my new arm and leg. Thanks to Help For Heroes I'm not afraid of the future now. "But this could happen to anyone, it's not just me with injuries like these. The men and women who come back with injuries like me deserve help to get their lives back on track ? and that is what Headley Court does. "Soldiers need to know that if something happens they?ll be okay. That's got to be worth a couple of pounds from anyone's pocket." Ben?s mother Joyce McDonald, 46, and stepdad James Cockburn have been with him at Birmingham?s Selly Oak Hospital, where they barely left his bedside in the first few weeks. Link: www.thisisplymouth.co.uk |
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I'll do marathon for Help For Heroes “But part of the reason I am here smiling today is because I know I am going to Headley Court and get my new arm and leg. Thanks to Help For Heroes I’m not afraid of the future now. Cheers ... Ben McBean and pals raise a glass to toast £4m appeal “But this could happen to anyone, it’s not just me with injuries like these. What I want to say to Sun readers is that we have a nation of soldiers who are willing to sacrifice their lives and limbs for this country. “The men and women who come back with injuries like me deserve help to get their lives back on track – and that is what Headley Court does. “Soldiers need to know that if something happens they’ll be OK. That’s got to be worth a couple of pounds from anyone’s pocket.” Help For Heroes aims to raise £7million to build a gym and pool at Headley Court. Link: www.thesun.co.uk |
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Tony gets ready to help his heroes A BRIDGWATER policeman is ready to take on the gruelling London Marathon to support a cause close to his heart. Community beat manager PC Tony Freeman - an ex-Royal Marine - is running for Help for Heroes, an organisation that supports servicemen and women injured in action. |
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Supercars Take On RAF Jets In Charity Race IT was a stunt straight out of Top Gear - the world's leading supercars taking on the fighter jets at RAF Leuchars. Link: www.dailyrecord.co.uk |
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Jets take on supercars in charity race FIFE RAF fighter jets went head to head with some of the fastest cars in the world yesterday as part of a special charity challenge. Pilots from 43 (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Leuchars, together with a Scottish company that specialises in the hire and use of ultimate performance cars and has an exclusive drivers’ club, helped raise around £10,000 for Help for Heroes, the charity for wounded servicemen and women. Link: www.thecourier.co.uk |
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Top Gun versus Supercar Some of the fastest vehicles on four wheels raced against powerful jets at RAF Leuchars. A spectacular charity challenge got underway today between some of the world's most powerful cars from the RIO Prestige Performance Fleet and the Top Gun Tornadoes from Forty Three Squadron. With people bidding to get behind the wheel of a supercar, the idea was to raise £10,000 for the Help For Heroes Charity in aid of service men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Link: www.stv.tv |
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William's forces support Britain's Princes William and Harry have pledged their support to a special fundraising event for injured members of the British Armed Forces. |
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Fighter jets to race fastest cars Fighter jets are going head-to-head with some of the fastest cars in the world as part of a special charity challenge. The event, taking place down the runway at the Scottish air base, has been organised to raise money for Help for Heroes, the charity for wounded servicemen and women. Link: www.deesidepiper.co.uk |
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Princes’ salute to heroes PRINCES William and Harry yesterday joined forces to back a glittering pageant to help wounded troops. Crowds can donate to the Sun-backed Help For Heroes campaign. Harry, back from frontline Afghanistan, and Wills are patrons of the City Salute Appeal. Wills said: “We are delighted to be supporting the City of London in saluting all those who serve their country.” Link: www.thesun.co.uk |
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Princes back appeal for soldiers Royal servicemen Princes William and Harry have given their support to a special event aimed at raising money to help injured members of the armed forces. Link: ukpress.google.com |
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Ex-soldier taking peaks challenge for heroes AN EX-soldier from Waterloo is preparing to scale new heights as part of the ‘Three Peaks Challenge.’ Andy Thompson will join a group of army pals in climbing three Welsh mountains in July, to raise money for ‘Help for Heroes’, a charity which raises money to improve equipment and facilities for injured servicemen. |
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Canoeist raises £12,000 AFTER 27 hours and 35 minutes injured soldier Maj David Bradley of Tidworth completed the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race and in doing so raised over £12,000 for Help for Heroes. Link: www.thisishampshire.net |
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Friends support hero soldiers Sara Allen and Justine Turpin are doing their bit for the new charity, Help for Heroes, which has been championed by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after national newspapers published accounts of the neglect suffered by injured British service personnel. |
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Runners raise £300 Accountants at Horwath Clark Whitehill pounded the streets to raise money for Britain’s soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. The firm’s marketing manager Michelle Hewitt and financial planning manager Stuart Elder were among the 13,000 runners who competed in this year’s Reading Half Marathon. The pair, who work in Blagrave Street, raised £300 for the Help for Heroes charity, which supports injured service personnel returning from the Middle East. Link: www.getreading.co.uk |
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Help for Heroes at the Brunel On Saturday 5th April staff at The Brunel in Swindon will be manning a display for Help for Heroes, the charity that Wiltshire couple Bryn and Emma Parry founded for servicemen and women wounded in conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq. |
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Royal marines to raise Air Ambulance funds The Royal Marines Commando Challenge will be raising funds for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Help for Heroes. |
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COMMANDO EVENT HELPS AIR AMBULANCE Devon Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes are set to get a cash boost from the Royal Marines Commando Challenge this year.The event - in which 4,000 competitors raised £225,000 last year - is scheduled to takes place on October 11 and 12. Participants can choose between a three-mile challenge on Saturday or the more gruelling seven-mile challenge on Sunday. Devon Air Ambulance said it was delighted by donations it would receive through the year as it needed to raise £2.2m a year to run two emergency helicopters. Helena Holt, chief executive of the trust, said: "We are absolutely delighted to become the main charitable beneficiary of this fantastic event. It is particularly good news for us as we are taking delivery of our own helicopter this autumn and must redouble our efforts to raise funds to keep it flying. "We have enjoyed a long relationship with the Royal Marines and they have been steadfast supporters of our work with many of them giving up their precious time as volunteers or fundraisers." She added that the charity also needed volunteers to staff the event, and asked people to come forward. "The Commando Challenge will be our biggest fundraising event of the year and it presents a challenge of our own," she said. "To support organiser Alan Hardy and his superb team, we need to recruit a small army of volunteers for the weekend." To help, contact Devon Air Ambulance Trust on 01392 466666 or email a.leaman@daat.org . For more information on the challenge, visit www.commandochallenge.co.uk . Link: www.thisisexeter.co.uk |
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Hero's £11,000 A WOUNDED Iraq war veteran has raised £11,000 for the Help for Heroes charity by completing a 125-mile canoe trip. Major David Bradley, 39, of Tidworth, Wilts, who was seriously hurt in a grenade attack in Basra, paddled from Devizes to London. Link: www.thesun.co.uk |
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Major effort on the canal by Iraq soldier A SOLDIER badly injured in Iraq has completed a gruelling Devizes to Westminster canoe race. Every Easter weekend hundreds take to the water in the Wiltshire town to take part in the 125-mile canal and river race.This year was the 60th year the race has been run. Paddling a two-man canoe with friend Steve Vinall, he raised more than £11,000 for Help for Heroes, a charity supporting service personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. |
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Iraq blast officer completes race Major David Bradley, 39, completed the 60th annual Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race in 27.5 hours. Together with Steve Vinall, he raised more than £11,000 for Help for Heroes, a charity supporting service people wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Link: news.bbc.co.uk |
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Nearly half canoe racers fall by wayside Tidworth-based Major David Bradley, who was severely injured while serving in Iraq, finished with fellow paddler Steve Vinall in 47th place in under his target time of 28 hours. The two men reckon to have raised over £11,000 for the charity Help for Heroes. |
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Bike ride to support wounded soldiers A WOMAN is set to cycle more than 340 miles through French battlefields to raise money for British soldiers wounded in conflict. Jo Everitt, from Fletton, Peterborough, was inspired to tackle the six-day challenge after her good friend, Corporal Mark Sutcliffe, had his leg blown off by a rocket-propelled grenade in Basra, Iraq. Now the 29-year-old, who will start the bike ride on May 26, is hoping to raise £2,000 for the Help for Heroes charity, which was formed to raise money to support wounded troops. Miss Everitt said: "I saw at first hand just how important it is that injured soldiers like Mark get the |
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British princes planning lavish fundraiser British Princes Harry and William are planning a fundraiser for their country's elite to raise money for British soldiers injured overseas. The Mail on Sunday reported the two princes have invited the richest people in Britain to the May 7 Help for Heroes fundraising campaign. The charity is raising nearly $14 million to renovate the Military Rehabilitation Center in the county of Surrey. British soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan are among the troops who use the facility. A source close to the royal pair told the Mail that helping injured soldiers has become a personal goal for both men, particularly since Harry returned from Afghanistan this year. Link: www.upi.com |
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Princes to raise party millions to help soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan Princes William and Harry are planning a glittering party for the richest men and women in Britain – to raise millions for soldiers wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. The pair, both serving Army officers, will be joined by celebrities including James Blunt, Jeremy Clarkson, Anneka Rice and former SAS soldier-turned-author Andy McNab. The event, which takes place on May 7 at a secret location in the City of London, possibly the Guildhall, will even feature a marching band and a military display. Link: www.dailymail.co.uk |
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Canoe racers forced out by weather Among the senior doubles crews that set off from Devizes Wharf today was Major David Bradley from Tidworth, who was severely injured while serving in Iraq four years ago. Despite losing the sight in his right eye, part of his right shoulder and part of his right hand, he is taking part with colleague Steve Vinall to raise money for Help for Heroes. He said: "We're both feeling in good fettle and we think we will probably finish in 27 or 28 hours." |
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Iraq blast officer in canoe race Married father-of-two Maj Bradley is doing the challenge to raise money for Help for Heroes, a charity supporting service personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, and currently trying to raise £6 million to build a swimming pool and new gym complex at Headley Court. He will begin the 125-mile paddle from Devizes in Wiltshire to Westminster, London. He and the other race participants will navigate, largely in darkness, along the Kennet & Avon Canal on Saturday night before hitting the River Thames on Easter Sunday |
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£7,000 charity pledge for biker soldiers FUNDRAISING soldiers preparing to set off on a grueling motorcycling tour of eight countries hope to raise £7,000 for charity. The soldiers from 2 Signal Regiment, in York, are taking part in the European odyssey for two Army charities. The money raised will be split between the Help For Heroes fund, which aims to improve facilities for injured soldiers at the defence medical rehabilitation centre, at Headley Court, in Surrey, and the Army Benevolent Fund, which helps soldiers and ex-soldiers and their families in times of need. The team of bikers said their training is going well and the soldiers can often be spotted around Strensall as they train. Link: www.yorkpress.co.uk |
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COAST TO COAST FOR LOCAL CHARITY A GROUP of Maryport pub regulars will do the coast to coast walk for local charities in June. They will include army charity, as serving soldier Sergeant Major Sean Todd is publican of the Captain Nelson pub. The group, who have done the annual walk for the last four years, have raised around £13,000 in that time and have supported several local charities. This year they aim to beat the £5,300 total they raised last year. The money will be shared among Maryport’s youth charities, the Sea Cadets, the Boys Club and the Boy Scouts. Also on the list this year is Help for Heroes, which assists those wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. Brian Hodgson, Ian Todhunter, Brian Murdy, Greg Carter, Keith Tweedie, Greg Walling and Nick Sydney will set off on June 5. Mr Murdy said people can join them, or they can sponsor them by calling into the Captain Nelson on South Quay or calling 01900 813109. Link: www.timesandstar.co.uk |
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Heroic soldiers say thanks to pub TROOPS from Bassingbourn Barracks were 'on parade' at Tesco in Royston on Saturday, and raised more than £800 for charity. Personnel from the Bassingbourn Army Training Regiment collected money for the Help for Heroes charity, and the Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), kitted out in full uniform. In total they raised £867.21. Major Geoff Woodcock, who organised the event, said: "It was good to be out in the community receiving so much support from local people. |
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Army on parade for charity TROOPS from Bassingbourn Barracks were 'on parade' at Tesco in Royston on Saturday, and raised more than £800 for charity. Personnel from the Bassingbourn Army Training Regiment collected money for the Help for Heroes charity, and the Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), kitted out in full uniform. In total they raised £867.21. Major Geoff Woodcock, who organised the event, said: "It was good to be out in the community receiving so much support from local people. Link: www.royston-crow.co.uk |
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Major's bid to aid heroes A HERO officer based in Tidworth will be paddling for heroes tomorrow despite having been seriously wounded in Iraq. Maj David Bradley will be taking part in the annual Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race to raise money for Help for Heroes. The charity provides practical direct support to servicemen and women wounded in the line of duty in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its first aim is to raise £6 million to build a swimming pool and new gym complex at Headley Court, the tri-service rehabilitation centre in Surrey. |
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LEGION BRANCH DOES ITS BIT FOR INJURED SERVICEMEN Exmouth's Royal Brit- ish Legion branch has thrown its weight behind a charity which helps wounded servicemen and women. The move comes during a week marking the fifth anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. Called Help For Heroes, the charity needs thousands of pounds to assist the injured with rehabilitation from serious wounds and loss of limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan. And in true comrade fashion, the Exmouth Legion branch has put itself in the forefront of raising money to help service personnel to rehabilitate. Link: www.thisisexeter.co.uk |
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Postman tackles the Coast to Coast Walk A POSTMAN will soon be swapping his post bag for a rucksack to tackle the famous Coast to Coast Walk. |
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Soldiers voted UK's top heroes The £2million drive, ordered to solve an Army manning crisis, follows the The Sun’s Help For Heroes campaign and the row over banning military uniforms in public after servicemen were abused by yobs. Link: www.thesun.co.uk |
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MoD office worker gets £200,000 payout "It is disgraceful. This faceless bureaucrat picks up a printer and gets £202,000 and my son picks up two mortar blasts and gets £57,000. It says it all." Mr Cooper was speaking as he prepared to attend a charity rugby match in Kingswood, Bristol, in aid of Help for Heroes. The military appeal is trying to raise up to £10?million to upgrade facilities at Headley Court, the military rehabilitation facility in Surrey. "If you are a white collar bureaucrat you can get a payout like this but if you are a front line soldier you have to rely on charity like this match for support," said Mr Cooper. Link: www.telegraph.co.uk |
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HARRY'S HERO Marine McBean has already vowed to start running again as soon as he is out of hospital. He wants to raise funds for Help For Heroes, a charity formed last year to help injured servicemen back to a normal life. Link: www.thisiscornwall.co.uk |
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Bravery of Harry's hero James said he was “very moved” by support offered by the Sun-backed Help For Heroes campaign. He said: “We didn’t know much about the charity before, but now I know what you guys have done, I’m stunned. It’s incredible that The Sun have raised so much money — and I know Ben feels the same. “I’m sure the planned rehabilitation centre will help us get Ben’s life back on track. There are hundreds like him and you’ve helped raise the issue, so thank you.” Joyce added: “Help For Heroes is now our family charity. “Ben said to me this week, ‘Mum as soon as I’m out of this hospital bed I’m going to start running and raise record amounts for charity’. “I’m sure Help For Heroes will be the one he’ll want to help.” Link: www.thesun.co.uk |
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Hero faces big race test SOLDIER seriously wounded in Iraq is taking on the 125-mile challenge of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race. Major David Bradley was rescuing British troops near Basra in 2004 when he was hit by two rocket-propelled grenades. He was given a five per cent chance of survival, due to a serious chest injury. Thanks to the expert care at the field hospital, he survived but lost the sight in his right eye, part of his right shoulder and part of his right hand. Despite these disabilities, Major Bradley, who lives in Tidworth, is determined to complete the race and raise money for Help for Heroes. Link: www.thisiswiltshire.com |
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Dave Heeley - Running Blind in the Falkland Islands Supported by the Island’s Army, RAF and civilian communities, Blind Dave, his sighted guide runner Malcolm Carr and the rest of the Seven Magnificent Marathons team will arrive into Mount Pleasant on Monday 05 April on a private charter plane. The team will travel to Port Stanley and have the honour of an evening reception with Governor His Excellency Mr Alan Huckle at Government House, Stanley. The following day, Dave and the team will attend a Sportsman’s brunch to raise funds for Guide Dogs, Seeing is Believing and Help for Heroes at The Malvina House Hotel, Stanley Link: www.falklandnews.com |
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Firefighters' funding boost for force STAFF and officers at Hereford Fire Station have raised more than £400 towards a national campaign. The money will go to the Help for Heroes campaign, providing help and support for members of the Armed Forces injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Link: www.herefordtimes.com |
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RAF Leuchars to host charity races The RAF's top fighter pilots are to go head to head later this month with some of the fastest cars in the world as part of a special charity challenge. The men of 43 Squadron at RAF Leuchars will take on super car hire specialists, RIO Prestige Performance, to raise cash for Help for Heroes, the charity for wounded servicemen and women. Link:www.stv.tv |
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Ships go sale-ing This year is no exception as members also pledge to raise funds for Help For Heroes, a charity supporting servicemen recently injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. |
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3PM UPDATE: CHALLENGE TO HELP HEROES AND AIR AMBULANCE The Devon Air Ambulance Trust and the Help For Heroes charity are to benefit from this year's Commando Challenge.The annual Royal Marines event at Woodbury Common collected £225,000 last year, and saw 4,000 competitors. This year's event will be held on October 11-12. |
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Take the Tornado Challenge The Royal Air Force 43 (Fighter) Squadron, The Fighting Cocks based at Leuchars, Fife, are to take on supercar hire specialists Rio Prestige Performance to help raise cash for Help for Heroes, the charity for wounded servicemen and women. |
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Guardian tops press awards nominations Newton Dunn is also shortlisted in the BPA's campaign of the year category, for the Sun's Help for Heroes initiative. He has already won the What the Papers' Say scoop of the year award for the Matty Hull story. |
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Modern fieldcraft Prince Harry-Style Body armour, which was a gift from Estonian troops attached to British forces in Helmand, and an orange wristband from the charity Help for Heroes, which helps those wounded in Britain's current conflicts. He was also seen in a Royal Artillery T-shirt with the slogan: "Simply the best". |
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After a brief taste of war, what's next for Harry? Heroes: 'Help for Heroes.' 'Wearing the red-and-blue wristbands from the charity Help for Heroes, which helps injured soldiers, Harry called for a greater public awareness of the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying they did not get the publicity in the media they deserved. 'There is a lot that happens that the British public don't know about. It's a shame to see stories about Afghanistan and Iraq being pushed back to page six or seven in the newspapers. They are our boys and they should be on the front page.' He also wore a second band showing support for deployment of his own regiment, the Household Cavalry, to Afghanistan. Link :www.guardian.co.uk |
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What now for the Prince who wants to be a soldier? BAND FOR BROTHERS Prince Harry wears his support for soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan on his wrist. Harry set off for Helmand Province before Christmas proudly wearing a red and blue wristband from the charity Help For Heroes which supports injured servicemen. He is also pictured wearing a second band showing support for his own regiment, the Household Cavalry's deployment to Afghanistan. Producing wristbands has become a tradition for army units preparing to deploy as a way of boosting awareness and raising funds to support families at home. Link:news.scotsman.com |
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Sweet toothed shoppers raise money for injured soliders SWEET-toothed shoppers flocked to The Brooks Centre in Winchester today (Saturday, March 1) as a colossal cake sale took place. Around 1,000 tempting cakes were on offer as the Help for Heroes charity sold its wares to raise money for for injured servicemen and women. |
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