Volunteers hailed as £2.2m raised

An injured serviceman works out in the Headley Court hydrotherapy pool

The organiser of an appeal to raise £5m for a rehabilitation complex in Surrey for wounded service men and women has paid tribute to his volunteer army.

Bryn Parry and his wife Emma launched the Help for Heroes (H4H) appeal in October to build a new swimming pool and gym at Headley Court, near Epsom.

Already £2.2m has been raised, with much of the work being done by family members of those serving abroad.

"Our volunteers are simply wonderful," said cartoonist Mr Parry.

"I have been honoured and humbled to work with people who have put in so much enthusiasm, determination, sacrifice, laughter and frankly love, to do something practical to help.

"It has been a quite extraordinary three months."

Mr Parry, who himself served in The Royal Green Jackets, set up the charity after meeting soldiers and staff at Selly Oak hospital, Birmingham, where injured service people are taken on their return to the UK.

H4H founder Bryn Parry served in The Royal Green Jackets

The most seriously injured go on to Headley Court for rehabilitation, where they may spend many months.

Soldiers who have lost limbs in Afghanistan and Iraq currently have to use public baths in Leatherhead because Headley Court has only a small hydrotherapy pool.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff, is a trustee for the appeal and Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and his wife Francie are patrons.

Mr Parry said the appeal had received extraordinary support from the media.

And many of the Help for Heroes volunteers are wives and girlfriends of serving soldiers.

"At Christmas it is particularly hard for those who are fighting overseas, and for their families, who would prefer they were at home," said Mr Parry in a Christmas message.

"Everyone at H4H has personal experience of a loved one being away and everyone here understands."