KING’S LYNN: Future looking rosy for military charity
Inside what will soon become a military experience centre of 'A Bridge For Heroes' in the Forward Centre, Lynn's Millfleet. Mike Taylor discussing plans in the main living history area with trustee Linda Mitchell (left) and Hollie Coote the fundraising co-ordinator.
The future for a charity which helps traumatised veterans and troops is now secure thanks to West Norfolk people’s generosity and grants.
Bridge for Heroes founder Mike Taylor has thanked the area for raising £5,000 and saving the charity’s contact centre in South Clough Lane, Lynn.
In November, he was facing the difficult decision to shut up shop.
But the centre, which helps veterans and serving troops with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), now has enough money to run until March thanks to the appeal launched in the Lynn News.
Further good news is that the Ministry of Defence community covenant fund has provided a £30,000 grant to pay for the salaries of a centre manager and fundraising officer. The aim is to make the charity’s finances sustainable.
And Mr Taylor is also starting an ambitious project to create a military experience centre in Millfleet to generate an income for the charity.
He said: “Things are looking better. I would like to thank the people of West Norfolk for keeping the centre open.
“We are not talking about changing lives but saving them. The bottom line is that people with PTSD do take their own lives. This money will make a massive difference.”
Donations to the appeal include nearly £1,000 raised from The Princes Trust, £1,000 from the Masonic Lodge and £250 from the Lynn Trinity Rotary club.
Volunteers have already started work on creating the military experience centre, which will be housed in part of the Forward charity building. It is hoped to open shortly.
Mr Taylor and his team will be creating a museum with living history exhibits with scores of donations.
The museum side will look at Norfolk at War and covers the county’s role in conflicts ranging from The Crimea onwards.
The charity has also received some airsoft weapons, which officials plan to use in a firing range and in living history exhibits.
And visitors will be able to clamber off a mock Normandy landing craft or try a modern counter insurgency range.
Mr Taylor is hoping that the centre will be used by school parties along with the general public.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved should phone 01553 760230.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 26 May 2013
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Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
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