Ten Days - Ten Years

a million thank yous

30th September 2011: Andrew Strauss sends message of support: "I would very much like to give my support to the Ten for Ten campaign and wish it all the success. I hope as many people can get behind this as possible to show support to the fantastic men and women who serve our country every day. Good luck." Andrew Strauss, England Cricket Captain

16th September 2011: Founder of Ten for Ten, villager Alix Hodge, was thrilled to learn the news that Prince William, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, has sent a message of support for the Ten for Ten campaign.

News: 15th September 2011

Royal Support for Ten for Ten! We are proud and honoured to have been given a statement of support by HRH The Duke of Cambridge: "As President of the Football Association and a serving member of our Armed Forces, I am delighted to offer my support to the Ten for Ten Campaign and hope that sporting venues will agree to join me in this ten day nationwide appeal. HRH The Duke of Cambridge."

WHAT IS IT?

Ten for Ten is a nationwide appeal to thank our forces and their families for facing the enormous and ongoing challenges of the last 10 years in Afghanistan. We want to make a difference to the lives of those who have suffered or been wounded by raising £1 million in the 10 days between 1st - 10th October 2011. The two main focuses for fund raising activities are Sport’s Salute for our Troops and a Red, White and Blue day for primary and secondary schools. The Ten for Ten campaign asks as many people as possible to give just a little back by donating £10 and also asks children, via their schools, to give £1 each. This is where we need your help!

WHY DO IT?

Ten for Ten seeks to recognise and honour those in our Army, Navy and Air Force who have served, suffered or died as a consequence of this conflict. The men and women of our armed forces have spent 10 years in Afghanistan. This is as long as many of our children can remember and is the same as the two World Wars put together. Ten for Ten is a one-off, a once in a decade opportunity to demonstrate our united appreciation of our forces’ loyal service to their country.

All the money raised by the Ten for Ten appeal will go directly to two of the largest military charities, Help for Heroes and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. It will be used to help create Personnel Recovery Centres and to fund Individual Recovery Plans. Each person on a recovery pathway has a tailored recovery plan which is continually reviewed and adapted to meet his/her changing needs. This ensures individuals are able to access the particular support they need at each stage of their recovery. These charities give our young men and women from all three services a chance at a new career after their injury.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

Sport’s Salute for our Troops will be when National Premier and League Football and Rugby clubs designate a match between 1st and 10th October 2011. Clubs will be asked to show their support for our forces by inviting spectators to donate £1 or more each at the match. Servicemen and women at Camp Bastion are having their own event: a 10k run with an anticipated 200 people!

Red White and Blue day: We would love every school in the country to join this initiative by hosting a “Red, White & Blue Day” on Monday, 10th October 2011. The children could wear red, white and blue, colour their hair, eat coloured cakes at break time or anything else that works for your school; they are bound to have a lot of creative ideas of their own! Children would be asked to contribute £1 each to take part and a single donation by the school, with a message of support, could then be made online at www.virginmoneygiving.com.  Every pound raised will go to the two charities and reach those who need it.

Please register your intention to support us and find out more information on our website. Why not follow this campaign on Twitter @10for10Campaign as well, and become part of the story by spreading the word to as many people as you can? Together, we can make a world of difference to those who are already bearing the burden of the last ten years.

Thank you for being one in a million!

Website: www.tenforten.co.uk

email at: support@tenforten.co.uk

Alix Hodge - Founder Capt. Harry Harrison