Sidmouth's Wally in Help for Heroes cash plea

A SIDMOUTH fundraiser hopes residents around the region can help him boost injured war heroes.

Wally Cotgrave, 71, has raised more than �600 since he started placing charity collection tins in his home-town, Ottery St Mary, Seaton, Beer and Honiton in January. More than 100 are in shops around the region.

Winslade Road resident Wally now wants to take his quest to raise funds for Help for Heroes to the streets- and hopes volunteers will join him during a collection in Honiton next Saturday, May 29.

He hopes volunteers will give up an hour or two of their time to help him collect cash from 10am to 4pm.

"It's just me and my mrs at the moment," said former soldier Wally.

"I'm sure there are people out there like me who wonder what they can do to pay respect and acknowledge the sacrifice these young men and women are making."

Wally was inspired to champion Help for Heroes when he first learnt of its work in aiding injured armed service personnel last year.

He then spent an hour on the ultimate soap-box in Trafalgar Square as part of a piece of living piece of art by Anthony Gormley. Wally spent an hour on the landmark's empty fourth plinth championing the cause.

The fundraiser, who has memories of World War Two, has also been moved by the efforts of the people of Wootton Bassett in paying respect to fallen soldiers.

"A mixture of memories and emotions spur me on," he said.

Contact Wally on (01395) 578 010.