News — Help for Heroes news

Craig Gadd standing proud on our photoshoot

Craig joined us on our recent photoshoot to tell his story and help us showcase our latest collection. 

“Some people might have legged it, pardon the pun, when they were asked to be on a photoshoot but I loved it!" said Craig. “I had a few moves of my own in my kit bag to show off the gear as well.”

For Craig the darkest moment was shortly after his injury. “In hospital I saw myself naked in the mirror for the first time with a leg missing. It really upset me. A few tears rolled down my cheek, but I realised it wasn’t growing back so I dried my eyes and said to myself “crack on”. I was taught early on, the sooner you accept your injury, the quicker you move on with your life. Help for Heroes have always helped with that. They’ve always been there for me”

“I hope you like what you see in the range and not just because I am wearing it. I have got involved in lots of things with Help for Heroes since I was injured in Afghanistan. It is fantastic to see the love and affection for our veterans and serving soldiers. It means a lot to us. So please keep shopping and help the guys and girls to move on from their injury like I have.”

Lorraine Kelly has been waking us up gently on ITV for decades with her ‘Lorraine’ show. She has such an easy, friendly style about her that has made her a national treasure as she talks to us all likes she knows us and experiences the same challenges we all do.

It is that exact empathy that has made her a key advocate and supporter of Help for Heroes since the beginning. 

She has been involved with fundraising as well as the beneficiaries. This non-baker has baked cakes for our Bake for Heroes campaigns. She has helped promote our cycling events. 

She is probably most comfortable having a chat with our Band of Sisters finding out about the problems they face supporting their wounded heroes. On a recent visit to Tedworth House she had lunch with some of them and her support means a lot to the people we help. 

Lorraine also took the time to have some photos taken in our latest clothing collection. The shoot also included some of the Band of Sisters who were are involved with a new design project for Christmas! It was one of the hottest days of the summer but she was cool throughout trying on all our T-shirts and hoodies!

Thanks Lorraine!

Ross Kemp is a household favourite particularly after appearing as Eastenders hardman Grant Mitchell. More recently he is known for his documentaries taking him to dangerous worlds of warfare and drugs.

There was a powerful pull to Help for Heroes for Ross from the very beginning. He has been an H4H Patron and a real ambassador for the charity giving his time freely to support the cause.

“I am incredibly proud to be Patron of this wonderful charity. I hope that by supporting our Armed Services you are proud of yourself – you should be.”

On a recent visit to Tedworth House he spent time with the beneficiaries having lunch and finding more about them and the difficulties they are facing in their recovery.

He is also visited our Tin Hut office which is a hub for volunteers in Tidworth and where volunteers are looked after nationwide. He had a laugh and joke with the volunteers and staff there who are used to seeing him dropping in from time to time.

He also took time to help out us in the Trading team having some pictures taken in our latest collection of T-shirts and hoodies. Nothing was too much trouble for Ross and we all enjoyed helping him show off his muscles for Help for Heroes!