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TIDWORTH based charity Help for Heroes has raised £12.5 million for wounded soldiers in its first year.

The charity, formed by cartoonist Bryn Parry and his wife Emma is helped by an army of Army wives and has won the support of Princes William and Harry.

"This time one year ago, we had formed a charity in under two weeks, blagged offices, recruited volunteer st-aff, been given furniture, computers and telephones and were ready to go," said Bryn, who was an officer with the Royal Green Jackets.

"We didn't know what to expect.There was no masterplan apart from a determination to help the wounded and a passion to do so to the best of our ability.

"We knew that thousands of people felt the same as us; that something' had to be done.

"Well, we, you, all of us, did that something' and the results speak for themselves.

"We have told people of our desire to help the wounded and then asked those who wish to join us to get out there and do their bit - and thousands have.

"We have had the big events, the London Marathon, the 52,000 rugby supporters who filled Twickenham, the 300 cyclists who raised £1.3 million, the £1.5 million donated in return for nine passenger seats on the Red Arrows and we have had the smaller events; equally important to us."

Around £10 million has been allocated to the cause of providing solid help for those who have been wounded.

Soon, they will have their own pool and gym complex, will go on adaptive adventure trai-ning trips as part of their rehabilitation, get job opportunities and gain assistance with the stress caused by combat. "Raising a great deal of money is only part of the story of Help for Heroes.

"We know that we have played our part in raising the awareness and support for the Armed Forces," said Bryn.

"Our leading sporting heroes have professed to being humbled by the true heroes, the extraordinary, no, the ordinary blokes, they have met.

"This respect has spread. Our servicemen and women tell us that the way they are seen by the public is changing for the better."

2:28pm Monday 6th October 2008

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