Rayleigh and Wickford’s MP Mark Francois recently supported the Victory Inn in Ashingdon in their successful “help for heroes” Fun Day which succeeded in raising £3,525.
Mark, a former TA officer, is a supporter of the charity and was delighted to be able to open the event, aimed at raising funds for injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. During the event Mark also helped the organisers, including Janice Broadbent, the Manager of the pub, by auctioning a ‘Hero’ teddy bear for the charity.
Proceeds from the day were combined with the outcome of recent street collections in Southend which were also carried out by staff and regulars at the pub to raise further money for Help for Heroes.
Speaking after the event Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said:
“Our soldiers in Afghanistan, like those in Iraq before them, have risked their lives for us in very demanding circumstances. However, for those that come back injured there is a continuous need for help. Help for Heroes is a great charity that aims to ensure that veterans of these wars who have risked their lives for us are not forgotten.
I was delighted to be able to attend and open the Fun Day. The Victory Pub has done a great job by raising over £3,500 for ‘Help for Heroes’ and I commend Janice, her staff and her supporters for their really great effort on behalf of our servicemen.”