Tri-Service

H4H Founder On Legacy, Criticism And Stepping Down

In 2007 Bryn Parry and his wife Emma were moved to set up ‘Help for Heroes’ after meeting wounded troops at the height of the Afghan and Iraq conflicts.

What began as an initiative to raise funds for a new swimming pool for patients at the Headley Court recovery centre has now raised £280 million.

In a wide-ranging interview with Forces TV the retiring Help for Heroes founder Bryn Parry spoke about what motivated the couple to first start the charity, and to then nuture it over the following nine years to become one of the UK's best known charitable organisations.

Looking to the future Mr Parry, himself a former soldier having served in the Royal Green Jackets, said his main concern now for veterans was the "hidden psychological damage, not just PTSD" sometimes caused by being involved in conflict.

Watch: The Millies 2016 - Celebrating Armed Forces Heroes

The Help for Heroes co-founder also took the opportunity to address accusations, reported by the mainstream media, that its network of Army Recovery Centres are not at full capacity and that the charity is not spending enough of the money it has raised.

He said: "The trouble is the criticism is wrong and that’s what I find so hurtful."

"There’s been recent things I take terribly personally. Ok, it’s my baby they’re criticising, but recovery centres were needed, they are full, they are doing things."

Having never intended to become the CEO of a national charity Bryn is now handing over the helm to, an as yet, unconfirmed successor. In a letter to Trustees he explained: "It has been the most demanding but rewarding period of my life and something of which I will always be immensely proud."

"I am a lucky man to have had this opportunity to make such a difference to the lives of others and I am grateful for the privilege, however unexpected and challenging."

"Now the time has come to hand over and let other take this wonderful organisation into its next phase. The charity is well led, correctly governed, properly funded and in a strong position to face whatever challenges the future may bring, but it needs a different set of skills to mine to take it forward."