A PEER who died earlier this year and a former newspaper editor have been awarded accolades for going "above and beyond’ to support wounded Armed Forces personnel.
Help for Heroes presented an Absent Friend Hero Award to Tom Orde-Powlett, the son of Lady Bolton, of Wensley, and a Pro Bono Hero Award to Peter Barron, ex-editor of The Northern Echo, for helping propel fundraising drives at Phoenix House, the charity's recovery centre in Catterick Garrison.
Melanie Dickinson Presents a Hero award to Peter Barron for all his work with Help For Heroes at Phoenix House Centre, Catterick Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
A charity spokeswoman said with her eldest son, Mr Orde-Powlett, having served in the British Armed Forces, Lady Bolton understood the need for support for injured and sick personnel and veterans and, when asked, was keen to do something to help.
She said: "Lady Bolton eagerly joined the committee of the Catterick Winter Ball, which took place in November 2014, and through her influence, persuasion and local knowledge, worked tirelessly to ensure the event was the great success that it was - raising £120,000 for the charity."
Melanie Dickinson, interim manager at Phoenix House, said Lady Bolton continued to be a great supporter of the charity until her death in May.
Mr Orde-Powlett added: “Mum felt very strongly about Help for Heroes and it gave her great pleasure to support the cause, but she never would have expected such an honour.”
The charity said Mr Barron had asked what he could do to help after visiting Phoenix House soon after its completion in 2013 and developed a campaign to raise £100,000 for the charity as part of the 100-year anniversary of the First World War.
It said he had hosted the Phoenix House Fashion Show for the past three years, and a winter ball in 2014 for which saw, due to his connections, artist Mackenzie Thorpe donate a painting of a poppy that raised £23,000 in an auction.
Ms Dickinson said: “Peter understands the needs of our beneficiaries and their need for Recovery Centres. He also has the respect of the community and the skills to communicate to help others appreciate why we need to support them for life. Peter is a true friend of Help for Heroes.”
Bryn Parry, co-founder of Help for Heroes, said for those suffering an injury or illness due to service, knowing they have remarkable people like Mr Barron standing beside them, willing to do amazing things, made a huge difference on their recovery journeys.
Mr Barron said: "I'm very proud and humbled to receive the award. It has never been any hardship at all to support such a great charity involving so many inspirational people."
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