Horses Help Heroes challenge passes through Shropshire
A team of wounded servicemen and their support crew, passed through Shropshire yesterday as they continue with a challenge to drive a horse–drawn replica WW1 ambulance, 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
As the team passed through Shropshire on the A49 they stopped off in The Square Shrewsbury, were a warm welcome was given by a large crowd of well wishers including the Mayor of Shrewsbury Tony Durnell. A presentation was also made after Shrewsbury businesses raised £1,200 in support of the challenge.
Travelling non–stop, 24 hours a day, to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes to support wounded servicemen and women, the team set off from Land’s End on Tuesday.
The inspiration behind the challenge is Jacks El Tawil who as an advanced paramedic, was brought in to train members of the Forces and through this saw the increasing number of wounded personnel who need our help to recover from the horrific injuries inflicted by war.
Jacks, as a highly experienced horsewoman, wanted to make her contribution of providing direct and practical support to the wounded individuals, through a challenge carriage drive. Jacks recruited her friends and family to support the challenge, they have been joined by many others to make this happen.
This challenge intends to raise over £1,000,000 to deliver direct, practical support to any wounded member of the Armed Forces who need it. Through Help for Heroes, all the funds raised will be distributed to organisations such as Combat Stress, the ABF and Blesma, who are best placed to provide the precise support that each wounded member of the Forces requires.
HRH Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, a number of high profile supporters from both the military and equestrian world have agreed to support the cause.
Of the challenge, HRH Prince William said: “The Horses Help Heroes challenge combines in one the great British traits of thirst for adventure, support and compassion for our wounded soldiers, sailors and airmen, and a love of horses – with just the mildest sprinkling of healthy eccentricity.
“I salute all those involved with Horses Help Heroes for their tireless commitment, energy and originality in their drive toward this vision. I urge everyone to support them, in whatever way they can.”
He said: “This is a mind-blowing challenge which needs all our support. With the conflicts continuing to rage in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot-spots, it is vital we keep raising money for the soldiers who put their lives on the line day-in, day-out.”
On Thursday firms on the Sansaw Business Park near Shrewsbury joined forces with the estate owners in support of a ground-breaking Horses Help Heroes initiative – raising a staggering £2,254.88 in three hours.
For more information or to show your support visit: http://www.horseshelpheroes.org.uk.
