Veterans can claim grants for memorial visits

I AM writing to you on behalf of Second World War veterans who, owing to a lack of advertising, may not have been aware that in 2010, financial grants – Heroes Return II – were available from the Big Lottery Fund to enable veterans, male or female, to pay a visit of remembrance to the theatre of war in which they were involved.

It appears that the number of veterans claiming these grants was far fewer than had been anticipated and this has resulted in these grants being extended to December 31, 2012.

It would be extremely helpful if you can find space in your newspaper to make these details known so that veterans, the majority of whom will now be aged 80 and over, may still take advantage of these grants and plan a visit.

The grants range from £150 to cover travel and accommodation for veteran, spouse and carer, within the UK, £1,300 to northern Europe and £5,500 to the Far East.

These grants are also available to widows and widowers of veterans.

As I have received a grant for a visit I made last December, I would be more than willing to advise and help any of your readers on how and where to claim.