As we enter the time of year known as Remembrance Tide, the three weeks culminating on 11th November, we ask all Help for Heroes supporters to buy and wear their poppy with pride. H4H is working closely with The Royal British Legion and all the Service charities as we unite to support 'our blokes'. While we at H4H are mainly focused on the current wounded, we are acutely aware that though they are young today, they will grow old; the support must continue.

Dear H4H Supporter,

Last week Emma and I joined 50 Sahara Trekkers on a fund raising walk across some of the Sahara desert. It sounds fairly easy to wake up, pack up your tent, sling your main pack onto a camel and walk for 20 kms a day; less so when it is 42 degrees in the shade and you are climbing up sand dunes, but everyone made it. Our team included some young Servicemen who found it easy compared to their tours in Afghanistan but for the majority, this was the biggest challenge of their lives.

People who had never camped, let alone slept out under the stars in North Africa, took it in their stride. People coped with blisters, sickness, the lack of showers, the limited water, the heat, with huge smiles; it was inspirational and for many it will be life changing. It was certainly life affirming to see such a diverse group bond together in the common cause of fund raising for the wounded. In many ways it was a cross section of what has happened all across this country as ordinary decent people rise to the challenge and leave the comfort of their sitting rooms to do their bit.

One very special lady, Karen Brown, completed the walk with a photograph of her nephew Daniel (Danny) Simpson in her pack. Danny was killed last year, on the 10th July, while serving with 2 Rifles and we all shared a very special moment as we remembered him and all those who have died in the service of our country. We will remember Danny and all those who have fallen and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that those who survive with injuries get the very best care.

As Theodore Roosevelt said in a speech at Springfield, Illinois, on 4th June 1903...

'A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. More than that no man is entitled to and less than that no man shall have.'

Fund raising continues and we continue to ensure that every penny you raise is spent on 'the blokes' and not on our administration. Despite having passed the £70m mark, we need at least another £40m to do all the tasks on our shopping list so please don't stop doing what you can. We don't ask everyone to do a challenge and if walking across the desert or riding a bike across France is not your thing, then there are still hundreds of ways in which you contribute, the important thing is that you join this wonderful national effort. Indeed, Simon Cowell came to the Heroes Concert and went away so inspired that he decided to produce a second X Factor fund raising single for H4H, 'Heroes' by David Bowie, to be released on 21st November; let's make it another massive hit.... Thanks Mr Cowell!

Our Quick Reaction Fund (QRF) continues to support wounded individuals and their families across the country and is there for those that need it so please help spread the word; we would hate to think that someone needed something but did not know about it.... Individual financial support within 72 hours... Simples!

On 11th November, Emma and I will be cutting the ribbon at the new £3.5m complex at Combat Stress's Headquarters near Leatherhead and we have committed a further £3m for their The Enemy Within appeal. We have only been able to do that with your help. It will greatly increase the support to those with mental injuries and is already making a huge difference to their lives; thank you for making that possible.

I am wearing my poppy and I urge you all to wear yours as we Remember the Fallen and Care for the Living.

Thank you all for what you have done and keep it going!

Onwards and Upwards!

Bryn