John Baron MP raises awareness of Heroes Return programme

MP says funding available but time running out

John Baron MP is raising awareness about a fully funded programme to allow WW2 veterans and for their spouses return to visit where they saw active service. With the 65th Anniversary of VJ Day having recently passed, the Big Lottery Fund [BIG] is encouraging Second World War veterans and their widows to apply to its Heroes Return programme before it closes.

Heroes Return provides funding to WW2 veterans from the UK, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland for travel and accommodation costs to visit the places where they saw active service. The grants are available for veterans of their widows, along with spouses and a carer. They can also receive funding to take part in an official commemoration in the UK. Trips must be taken by the end of 2010. Veterans who have already taken trips but were unaware of Heroes Return can apply for retrospective funding until 31st January 2011.

John said:

“Not all veterans and their families know about this excellent programme, and time is running out. Paying for our veterans to return to where they saw active service is one small way of saying thank you.”

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Word Count: 206
Date: 3rd September 2010

Notes to Editors

So far over 10,000 people have been awarded funding totalling over £7 million to return to places including Italy, France, Greece, Holland, Germany, USA, the Far East and Australia, as well as to make trips within the UK.

2. If any constituents would like to apply please call 0845 0000 121, email general.enquiries@biglottery.org.uk or visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_heroes_return