Veterans UK Receives Royal Thank You

Veterans UK received a royal thank you today as Prince Harry marked the 25th anniversary of its helpline service.

The Blackpool-based organisation provides welfare support for ex-serviceman and women, as well as their families in partnership with other support networks.

To celebrate the work and commitment of the charity, Prince Harry met with staff and those who had received help from the 24-hour helpline service.

During his visit, the Prince unveiled a plaque marking the milestone in operations from the Norcross site.

His Royal Highness told onlookers:

“Happy anniversary everyone. Thank you all for the amazing work that you have been doing and see you in another 25 years.”

Jon Parkin, head of Veterans UK, said: "I was delighted to welcome Prince Harry to Veterans UK.

"I am hugely inspired by his work with veterans, so I was very proud to be able to demonstrate the breadth of services we provide here."

The charity has helped many veterans and families by providing help with accessing pensions, compensation and enabling seamless transition from service to civilian life.

The organisation resources are in high demand, receiving hundreds of calls every day.

Mr Flaherty, from Lytham, stepped down from flying in 1986 because of medical issues and was eventually put in touch with Veterans UK.

He said: "They tell you about allowances that I had never heard of. They are always there.

"I am very privileged to be all to call on them."

One recipient of Veteran UK’s help who met the Prince on his visit was Jemma Neilson.

Jemma, 29, lost her husband, Darren Neilson, 31, when he was killed four months ago in a tank explosion during a training exercise at Castlemartin.

Following the loss of her childhood sweetheart, they moved from military accommodation to her parents’ house, but with the ongoing help of Veterans UK she hopes to buy her own home.

She said:

"The service has been absolutely invaluable. I don't know where I would be without it."

Before the Prince left, the community presented him with a 100 Passchendaele poppy pin to honour his visit the Veterans UK Helpline Service.