The Talking with the Wounded fundraiser organised by the Royal British Legion’s Newmarket and District branch last week proved a big success. The event took place on the evening of Friday 16 May at the famous Jockey Club Rooms in the centre of Newmarket.
Talking with the Wounded offered more than 100 supporters of the Legion a chance to hear about the sacrifices members of the UK armed forces make for their country, and the services offered by the charity to veterans injured in the line of duty.
Newmarket and District branch chair Paul Greenwood said after the event: “We heard truly inspiring and honest accounts from our three service personnel—Tony, Alex and Jason. They showed their bravery and resilience following the events that impacted them and which they have worked through to such a positive outcome.
“It was our honour and privilege to be part of this evening and highlight their distinguished service and personal account of their lives, service and the impact of war, which they live with on a daily basis.”
Proceeds from the Talking with the Wounded fundraiser will be shared between the Suffolk County Royal British Legion General Fund and the Battle Back Centre Lilleshall.
The Legion opened the centre in 2011 to support wounded, injured and sick service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Its work now also includes wellbeing courses for veterans, providing camaraderie and connections as well as developing confidence in adaptive sport such as wheelchair basketball, archery, mountain biking, climbing and caving.
The Battle Back Centre aims to develops positive thinking among the veterans it serves and helps them to focus on achievement.
Paul added: “There was a real mix of emotions for all our attendees, which made for such a graphic, interesting and informative night. We wanted to ensure that the money raised from [their generosity] would benefit veterans with similar injuries as those who provided their accounts.”
Image courtesy of Charlotte Ashdown, The Jockey Club
