H4H receives the Military Award for Best Support to the Armed Forces

Bryn and Emma Parry, co founders of Help for Heroes, were astonished to receive the Military Award for Best Support to the Armed Forces at The Sun’s extraordinary ‘Millies’ event on Tuesday 16th December 2008. They share the award with founder patrons Francie and Jeremy Clarkson who have been key to the success of H4H.

The awards were the idea of HRH Prince Charles, who suggested to The Sun that there should be public recognition for the extraordinary work and courage displayed by members of the Armed Forces. The star-studded evening was held at Hampton Court and attended by hundreds of celebrities, senior servicemen and supporters of the Forces.

Help for Heroes were winners of their category in recognition of their achievement in raising £15m in the fifteen months since they launched their appeal, as a response to the desire of ordinary people to ‘do their bit’ to show their support for the wounded. The Parrys had been moved to tears by their visit to Selly Oak hospital in August 2007 and launched the charity in October that year. The appeal has caught the public’s imagination and was described by The Prime Minister as a ‘National Institution’.

Bryn Parry said, “We feel humbled to be here amongst so many real heroes but delighted that all the volunteers and fundraisers have been recognised for what is a truly phenomenal achievement. People all over the country have done their bit to show the members of the Armed Forces that they are appreciated and admired. We cannot stop our brave men and women from being wounded but we can help them recover. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of Help for Heroes and please keep going, there is much to do.”

Of the £34m raised to date, over £23m has been allocated to help build facilities at Headley Court, support Combat Stress and several other practical measures to care for wounded servicemen and women. The charity is now focusing on the convalescence of the wounded and has plans to help provide several centres around the UK from where the wounded can ‘launch back to their lives’.

This award is the latest high point in a year of extraordinary events that have helped raise money and awareness for the wounded, City Salute, the Battlefield Bike Ride, The Rugby Challenge Match at Twickenham and Hero, the single by the X Factor Finalists that broke the record for the fastest selling charity single of the decade.