Minister to hear of fund’s work

The Government’s Veterans Minister, Mr Mark Francois, is due to visit the Advertiser’s offices today to hear first hand about the work of Newark Patriotic Fund.

Mr Francois’s visit follows the Newark MP Mr Patrick Mercer’s impassioned plea to Parliament for similar funds to be set up in constituencies across the country.

Mr Mercer helped to set up the fund, which helps wounded Services personnel, their families and veterans.

The fund holds a drop-in centre at the Advertiser offices on Tuesday mornings.

Injured soldiers helped by the fund and their families have been invited to meet Mr Francois, who is the MP for Rayleigh and Wickford.

In December, Mr Mercer submitted an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling for MPs to welcome the work of the fund and received cross-party support.

His motion said: “That this House believes we must do all that we can to support injured Service personnel and their families.

“Welcomes the work of the Newark Patriotic Fund (NPF) which was set up in 2008 and which now assists, both financially and emotionally, several individuals whose injuries range from single or multiple amputations to post-traumatic stress disorder.”