TV star Ross Kemp has backed a major fundraising drive to help Britain’s wounded veterans who are at risk, some battling the evils of unemployment, isolation and struggling with their mental health.
Two of Britain’s leading military charities – Help for Heroes and Walking With The Wounded – have joined forces for this year’s Walking Home for Christmas campaign, supported by British fashion and homeware retailer Matalan.
They have called on Brits across the country to put their best foot forward to raise much-needed cash to help veterans and their families – simply by going for a walk.
BAFTA award winning documentary maker and former EastEnders star Kemp, 54, who launched the campaign as he walked with veterans to the Cenotaph in London yesterday, said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the men and women who risk their own lives to make Britain – and the world – a safer place for us all.”
“Yet when they return, people in the Armed Forces often struggle to adapt to civilian life – and rarely get the heroes’ welcome they deserve.”
“They may find themselves alone, struggling to find work – or even a home – and many are also struggling with their mental health after witnessing scenes in battle that you or I cannot imagine.”
“But just by going for a walk in the run-up to Christmas, you can raise money that is essential to help these brave men and women who have risked their own lives thousands of miles from home.”
Anyone can raise money for the campaign by taking a sponsored walk between December 13th – 23rd – whether it’s taking a present to a loved one or walking to a place that means something to you.
Signing up for Walking Home for Christmas is easy and free – just log on to www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com and register for your fundraising pack.
