Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, recently demonstrated his support for the popular charity Help for Heroes during a fundraising concert held at the Cliffs Pavillion, in Southend.
Mark, who was joined by his fellow Essex MPs James Duddridge and David Amess, is a keen supporter of the charity and has attended the popular concert several times over the last few years. This year, the audience were able to enjoy a sell-out performance by the Portsmouth Band of the Royal Marines, which proved to be a particularly poignant evening as the band master, Major Anthony Smallwood, performed his last concert before his retirement, after 30 years of serving with the band.
The event, which took place to raise funds to help servicemen wounded in conflict, was also supported by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, the Mayor of Southend and the Chairman of Rochford District Council. The concerts, where previous performers have included the Band of the Grenadier Guards and the Welsh Guards, have raised thousands of pounds for Help the Heroes, with this year’s concert alone raising over £18,000. Next year’s performance will take place on the 14th September by the Coldsteam Guards, who will be supported by singer John Innes.
Commenting on the event, Mark Francois said:
"Help for Heroes is a great charity which does so much to raise funds for our brave troops who have been wounded in combat. It is thanks to the continuing kindness and generosity of the British public that Help for Heroes and its MOD and Royal British Legion partners are able to deliver the levels of support and care that our wounded and injured Service personnel deserve. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I am very pleased that the concert, which was very well organised, was so successful in raising over £18,000.”