Heroes say thanks (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Heroes say thanks

5:35pm Friday 20th June 2008

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AN ARMY physiotherapist treating soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan has paid tribute to young air cadets who raised more than £800 for Help for Heroes.

The teenagers from Malmesbury sponsored a team of patients and staff from the military's Headley Court rehabilitation centre in the recent Big Battlefield Bike Ride, which raised more than £1 million.

Capt Tim Clarke, who lives near Lechlade, said they had actually handed over more than one of the team's main corporate sponsors.

He told the Standard: "We were very impressed with what the cadets did. It was an amazing amount. Their effort has helped us to beat our team's original target of £23,000 by more than £7,000."

He visited the squadron on Thursday to provide an insight into the work of military medics in both war zones and the rehabilitation many servicemen and women have undergone in the UK.

His presentation also gave them a look at the hospital in Camp Bastion. Poignantly, it was later revealed that in April surgeons there battled in vain to save the life of Royal Marine Lt John Thornton, a former air cadet from the Wiltshire and Dorset wing.

The cadets also saw Afghan children being treated alongside the soldiers.

Capt Clarke said: "The presentation was a way we could say thanks and let them know exactly what they were supporting."

He was part of the team from Headley Court taking part in the bike ride through Northern France and shared a tandem over the 340-mile journey with Para Sgt Stu Pearson, who lost a leg after standing on a mine.

"It was a great week and we got a wonderful reception. The ride was a hard slog some of the time. The hills were the worst."

More than £1,000 of sponsorship for the team came from Malmesbury. British Legion members and a collection at the opening of Basevi Close brought in over £300.

The Help for Heroes appeal, started by cartoonist Bryn Parry has passed the original £6 million target to provide a swimming pool and gym facilities at the rehabilitation centre and is now aiming for £10 million.

The website www.helpforheroes.org.uk has more information.

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