Crewe Armed Forces Day

22 Jun 2022 11:12
Published by: Scott Callan

A celebration of the military, veterans and their families is being held at Queens Park in Crewe to mark this year's Armed Forces Day weekend.

The extravaganza on June 25 and 26 will include displays by the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, a fairground, stalls and private military vehicles dating back to the battle of Ypres and the Normandy landings.

There will also be NHS mental health staff to speak to, along with firms who employ veterans and representatives from the Department of Work & Pensions who can advise on benefits available to serving and ex-military personnel.

The event, raising money for Help for Heroes, is being organised by Steve Pragnall, 54, who is a member of Crewe & District Military Vehicle Club.

He has joined forces in staging the fully-funded weekend by Crewe Town Council, and Cheshire East Council which has received the armed Forces Covenant Silver Award Employer Recognition Scheme.

"We want this to be a fun, family orientated picnic in the park that brings the serving and civilian communities together," said Steve, who previously served in the Territorial Army and was a driver with the Royal Corps of Transport before becoming a HGV lorry driver for a big retailer.

"For anyone serving in the armed forces, family is vitally important, they deal with stress and cope with good times and bad, while sometimes not knowing where in the world their loved ones have been deployed."

Steve was encouraged to become a Help for Heroes volunteer by his son, Nathan, whilst at primary school.

Now 12 years later, Nathan is getting promoted though the ranks in the Royal Navy and his dad is still passionate about supporting the charity which relies on the generosity of the UK public for more than 90 per cent of its income.

"People in the military need a good family behind them to support their mental and physical health. That's why we'll be raising money for Help for Heroes, the charity helps veterans thrive, not just survive," explained Steve who regularly volunteers with his family."

He is proud to have been invited by Cheshire Constabulary's Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner to represent Help for Heroes at its flag raising event to mark Armed Forces Day.

Rhys Edwards, Fundraising Manager at Help for Heroes, added: "My heartfelt thanks go out to Steve and his team of volunteers for the planning and running of this great event. Help for Heroes could not do what we do without our volunteers help and support and Steve's enthusiasm and commitment to the charity is second to none."

ABOUT HELP FOR HEROES: Help for Heroes believes those who serve our country deserve support when they're wounded. Every day, men and women have to leave their career in the Armed Forces as a result of physical or psychological wounds. The charity helps them, and their families, to recover and get on with their lives. It has already supported more than 26,500 people and won't stop until every wounded veteran gets the support they deserve. For more information visit helpforheroes.org.uk and watch our Help for Heroes film.

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