TV star Cliff Parisi has backed a major fundraising drive to help Britain’s wounded veterans who are at risk, some battling unemployment, isolation, and struggling with their mental health.
Cliff was inspired to get involved in Walking With The Wounded’s annual Christmas campaign after spending weeks in the jungle and nowhere to walk.
He has been joined by a host of beneficiaries and supporters of the charity to raise awareness of the cause and inspire members of the public to sign up for their own walks this month, December.
Cliff said: “During my time in the jungle there was hardly anywhere to walk and it was so frustrating.
“Walking is great for your health and it’s so easy to fit into busy lives whether it’s to and from school or work or even longer walks at the weekend. All you need to do is get friends and family to sponsor you and the money goes to Walking With The Wounded, a great charity that assists those who’ve sacrificed so much for us; now it’s time for us to give back.
Walking home for Christmas is an incredible charity that helps injured ex-service men and women in every stage of their recovery and rehabilitation. It’s my donor to support them in anyway I can in the amazing work they do.
“So this Christmas spare a thought for the brave men and women that have made a huge sacrifice for their Queen and country and if you can please support this charity by giving just a few pounds to Walking With The Wounded.
Cliff added: “It’s also good to get out and about particularly during the calorie-heavy Christmas period!”
Cliff joins former footballer Wayne Bridge and actors Dean-Charles Chapman 22, and George MacKay 27, the lead for British film Director Sam Mendes’ upcoming WW1 film 1917, which will be released in cinemas on January 10.
Sam Mendes, who directed, produced and co-wrote 1917, said: “I care about our ex-military because my own grandfather fought in the war and it’s his experiences that inspired me to write and direct 1917. It shows the extraordinary things young men and women do and go through during wartime. Those experiences will impact their lives forever and especially at Christmas.”
They have called on Brits across the country to put their best foot forward to raise much-needed cash to help veterans and their families – simply by going for a walk.
Ed Parker, CEO of Walking With The Wounded said: “We’re so grateful to Cliff, Wayne, Sam Mendes, and the team behind 1917 for their involvement. People in the public eye throwing their support behind the campaign makes a huge difference to our outcomes supporting veterans who have little to look forward to this Christmas get back into a place where they can support themselves and their families next year.
“So, what better time to give something back to those who have given so much?
“Whether you walk home from work one day, walk to visit a relative you’ve not seen for a while, or simply stroll around your local park with friends, you will be helping raise money for those veterans who might be struggling this Christmas.”
The campaign invites anyone to register for free, receive a branded Santa hat and do a sponsored walk home or somewhere important to them anytime between 12 -22 December.
The event is aiming to support 400 ex-servicemen and women who are socially isolated, struggling with their mental health, homeless, or caught in police custody – and get them back into employment and independence.
Signing up for Walking Home for Christmas is easy and free – just log on to www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com and register for your fundraising pack.