News — Help for Heroes news

Dan Richards is cool, funny and life affirming to be around. He is a professional model, cyclist and body confidence ambassador. Oh yes, he has also lost his right arm and shoulder after an accident and was medically discharged from the Army in 2012. 

After 330 job applications he was down on his last few pence, living at home, becoming increasingly depressed and reclusive. ''I thought to myself what have I got to look forward to? If this is what life has got in store for me after the military, I would rather not be part of it''. After feeling that he had hit rock bottom, Dan accepted that he needed help to improve his life. 

His mum got in contact with Help for Heroes to get help for Dan. Renewing the support turned things around. Dan was put in touch with Capstar Chaffeurs - a new start-up employing ex-military. Living back in London he started to ''win himself back'' and take every opportunity that came his way through Help for Heroes. 

''The support from Help for Heroes and the great British public - there are thousands of us on the receiving end of it. If I could I would go out and thank each one of them who have run a marathon, cycled hundreds of miles around France or bought a hoody or T-shirt. It might be a hoody or a T-shirt to you, but you are indirectly helping to change a person's life and that is the biggest reward in itself. I am testament to that''. 

He’s a Veteran, Invictus Games gold medallist, a Design Technology Teacher and a Help for Heroes Ambassador. He joined us on our ‘Challenge Yourself’ cycling photoshoot to model the range he helped create in partnership with Veteran Jaco Van Gass and our in-house designers. 

Andy served in the Royals Signals for 12 years with tours in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan before being medically discharged and finding a new career path through the Troops to Teachers scheme.

Andy became involved with cycling when he joined Help for Heroes Band of Brothers taking on some amazing challenges, including Race across America in 2017, and his gold winning performance at The Invictus Games. With Jaco, Andy was perfect to bring his cycling experience to help design our latest collection influencing the look and feel as well as the kit’s technical detailing for improved performance.

He says ‘’Having purpose always makes you feel good and I think that myself and Jaco have really enjoyed the process from the very start up until now and I can’t wait to see the products in the catalogue and see people enjoy the kit’’.

The full range of 'Challenge Yourself' kit is available online now! This exclusive range includes professional and core cycling gear, technical t-shirts, vests, and a choice of shorts; all perfect to kick-start your fitness for Spring. 

Our new Flowers of Friendship stationery range features notepads, journals and cards! It's a collection infused with beautiful hand-painted, ditsy-floral illustrations you'll love. Take note of thoughts, ideas and shopping lists in style - or treat someone special to the perfect gift!

  

The Flowers of Friendship collection has been designed with 6 members of the Help for Heroes Band of Sisters. This fellowship support network is for the loved ones of injured Veterans and Service Personnel. They meet regularly to listen, help and encourage each other through their changed lives.

The women behind the collection carefully crafted the pattern from design sessions held at Tedworth House Recovery Centre where a painted flower from each lady contributed towards the final Flowers of Friendship motif. 

The initial design lead to the creation of our best-selling Flowers of Friendship scarf, which has been purchased by customers and supporters country-wide and even featured on the Lorraine show. Our stunning Flowers of Friendship T-shirt closely followed as a floral, feminine piece to carry you through the seasons. Be sure get yours for Spring!

 

 ''It’s made me realise anything is possible and to always give something a go!''

Amanda Durrant, Band of Sister

Our new regional collection is inspired by our proud supporters and volunteers up and down the Country, making this range extra special. We brought together thoughts and ideas from the very people who support us everyday, formulating these ideas into a range of classic style hoodies, t-shirts and merchandise with iconic symbols that reflect the regional heritage.

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