FORCES veteran, actor and model maker Robin Ellwood has been putting his talents to good use backing Help for Heroes the charity which gave him a lifeline as he struggled with injury.

This weekend Help for Heroes is holding it's first national collection since the pandemic started to raise desperately needed cash to keep the service going. Robin, from Darlington is appealing to people to back the collections being held in Tesco stores across the country. They lost around 75 per cent of their income last year as fundraising events were cancelled because of Covid-19, the restrictions and lockdowns.

Robin is supporting the Catterick Garrison store which is collecting on Saturday June 26 Armed Forces Day and Sunday June 27.

RAF veteran Robin, 68, said he can never forget the support given by Help for Heroes. He added: "After such a difficult year, it is great that we can once again be welcomed into Tesco stores to raise money for veterans with mental or psychological injuries.

"It’s exciting that our volunteers are able to fundraise in person again, and we hope that anyone in Catterick Garrison on June 26 or 27 remembers those who have been wounded as a result of serving their country by popping into the Tesco store on Richmond Road and donating as much, or as little, as they can. Every pound can make a genuine difference."

A former air photography operator Robin was medically discharged after badly dislocating his knee in service and now struggles to walk. He has been a regular at Help for Heroes’ new Friday morning model-making sessions held at St Aidan’s church hall in Catterick Garrison since Covid-19 restrictions eased.

"It has been a life-line. To walk in and see so many familiar faces and just be accepted without question has been fantastic. I’ve also really enjoyed Help for Heroes’ online photography course as it has encouraged me to get out of the house and explore new places.

"I’ve always enjoyed interacting with people and I’m thrilled to be able to do that again in person through Help for Heroes. My injury led to depression over my RAF career being cut short and what could have been. When I woke up each day, I knew I would be in pain every single hour. A friend encouraged me to reach out to Help for Heroes and I want to do the same for others. It’s never too late," he added.

While the former senior aircraftsman did not travel the world in the RAF, he did during his second career as an actor and performer. He competed in the European Living Statue Championships, studied Kyogen a form of traditional Japanese theatre in Kyoto as well as appearing in tv’s Byker Grove and the first two series of Wire in the Blood.

Help for Heroes say they rely on the generosity of the public to maintain their support service. Volunteers will be in Tesco stores across the country on June 26 and 27 June, in the six years before the pandemic over £1.4m was raised to help keep them going. Help for Heroes helps wounded forces personnel who have to leave their careers. Donations can also be made through https://gtap.uk/62/tes211