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Fifteen veterans represented Help for Heroes at a reception hosted at 10 Downing Street by Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer and Akshata Murty, on behalf of the Prime Minster, to mark Armed Forces Week.  

 
The reception not only offered an opportunity for Mr Mercer and Ms Murty to personally thank our veterans for their service. But also, for our veterans to put their concerns about what more can be done to support those transitioning out of the Armed Forces and veterans with long-term health conditions to the very heart of government.  

Ryan Thomas in wheelchair speaks to Akshana Murty
Ryan Thomas speaks to Akshata Murty in 10 Downing Street Garden - Credit: Alice Hodgson / No 10 Downing Street

Amazing day…Prime Ministers wife, and Downing Street amazing’

Ryan Thomas

Veteran

Mr Mercer reaffirmed his commitment to campaigning for the veteran community in Parliament in his address to the reception, highlighting his own experience of serving in Afghanistan as one of his motivating reasons for later entering politics.  

Ms Murty spoke of the importance of the Armed Forces to the UK’s history, security, and culture. She told the reception how she and her husband, Rishi Sunak, had been active supporters of Help for Heroes’ work in his constituency of Richmond in Yorkshire since he became an MP in 2015.  

We are very pleased to be invited to attend this reception and to acknowledge the important work that Armed Forces charities do to ensure that our veterans get the support and recognition that they rightly deserve.’ 

James Needham

Help for Heroes CEO

When a conflict ends, the battles don’t stop for everyone. Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families by giving life-changing support, no matter when or where they served. 

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