Children and staff at Britannia and Abigail’s Day Nurseries in Caerphilly town have pledged their support for Help for Heroes’ #40ThousandStrong campaign, which aims to raise awareness of armed forces personnel and veterans who have been medically discharged due to illness and injury.
On Saturday, November 2, a display made up of thousands of miniature figures will come to Caerphilly town centre as part of the campaign.
Each figure will represent one of the 40,000 men and women who have been medically discharged from the Armed Forces over the last 20 years.
Residents able to buy some of the figures in exchange for a donation to the charity.
Army Veteran Jonathan Congreve, from Gelligaer, visited the children alongside Help for Heroes mascot Hero Bear, and talked about the support he has received since leaving the army, as well as his struggle with arthritis.
Mr Congreve, who will be representing the UK at the Invictus Games next spring, said: “It was wonderful visiting the nursery and sharing the #40ThousandStrong message with the children. Help for Heroes has made a huge difference to mine and my family’s lives and we need to let the public know about the scale of the need for support.”
Britannia Day Nursery Manager Cindy Baghurst said: “As a veteran myself, having served with the Women’s Royal Army Corp, I’m proud to support such an important cause. The children loved seeing Hero Bear and getting a preview of the installation which is coming to Caerphilly.”
At Abigail’s Day Nursery, children have decorated cakes to raise funds for the charity.
Owner Abigail Jones said: “We’re delighted to play our part and help raise awareness of the work Help for Heroes delivers in Wales.”