Help for Heroes founder left 'embarrassed'

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The former soldier said the honours were recognition for the hundreds of thousands of supporters who have raised more than 50m for British servicemen and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Parry, 53, and his wife Emma, 50, were inspired to set up the charity in October 2007 after meeting badly injured troops at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

They have gone on to raise millions of pounds for projects including Army convalescence centres around the country and a new gym and swimming pool at the military's main rehabilitation centre, Headley Court in Surrey.