30 Jul Bake for Heroes event raises plenty of dough for our Heroes
A coffee morning and afternoon tea event has raised £769.80 in aid of Help for Heroes.
Sue Morgan, who has volunteered at the military charity for over 11 years, organised the event with fellow super volunteers Mike and Sue Jackson. The trio have raised an astounding £300,000 over the last year. Sue’s friend Angie Flack also lent a hand.
“As a major military town we should be proud of the fact that it has a Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, but sadly there are still many who don’t know that we’re here. That why I wanted to run the event; to raise awareness about our existence and make those who already support us feel part of the Help for Heroes family. I have 4 generations of military service in my family, so there has always been a natural affinity to the charity. My mother was in the RAF and my father was in the green jackets for 27 years. 5 of those he served with in Malaya came to the event which was really special”.
They were joined at the coffee morning and afternoon tea event by 40 others; ranging from ex-Mayors of Colchester and councillors to local businesses and veterans currently being supported by Help for Heroes. The raffle included cakes from Fiona Cairnes, (who supplies cakes to Waitrose), and Hall Farm in Stratford St Mary, a bouquet of flowers from Jennifleurs Florists in Colchester, Afternoon Tea from Lavender Blue Vintage Tea Room in Lavenham and champagne by Avril Taylor.
“I’m really pleased with how the day went. I think it’s important that supporters see how the money they raise is having such a positive impact on our wounded, inured and sick. Every day seven people are medically discharged from the Armed Forces. Their life changes overnight. Suddenly, the world they knew is no longer accessible and they must start from scratch, all over again. Many struggle, meaning that they and their families need help to aid recovery from wounds; both visible and hidden. With my connection to the Armed Forces I want to play my part in giving those who are prepared to put their lives on the line for us a second chance at life”.
Julian North, Recovery Manager East, who was integral to the planning, (and moving of furniture!), said of the event: “Our fundraisers are so important to the Charity. Their money means that we have a foundation to plan for the future so that we can supply sustainable and long-term support to our beneficiaries. I want to take this opportunity to thank Sue for helping us to rebuild lives. It was also great to see the Recovery Centre buzzing with life and our veterans working alongside our volunteers to raise funds. It really was a One Team effort”.
