MILITARY top brass have been hailed as heroes for raising cash to improve the lives of cancer sufferers.
Personnel from Northwood Headquarters raised £1,500 for the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre (LJMC), based at Mount Vernon Hospital – enough to provide complimentary therapy for 15 patients.
Staff at the NATO base, in Sandy Lane, have selected LJMC as one of their chosen charities for several years running. The cash was generated through a series of fundraising events and raffles held throughout the past year.
Admiral Sir Trevor Soar presented a cheque to the charity's marketing manager, Buzz Coster, on Wednesday (14).
Military staff were later given a tour of the centre, which provides support and information for people who have been affected by cancer, including its complimentary therapy rooms, designed to alleviate patients' stress and anxiety.
Upon receiving the cheque, Mrs Coster said: "As members of the armed forces, you are used to the idea of battle. We help individuals fighting their own personal battle against cancer.
She told the Gazette: "We are so grateful to receive this magnificent amount of money, particularly as the Armed Forces has so many other charities it serves, and many staff are there for just a few years before being posted elsewhere.
"We will put the money towards our complimentary therapy service, which is wholly funded by charitable donations. It costs about £100 per session so 15 extra people will benefit, which is absolutely fantastic."
A further £1,500 was raised for The Peace Children's Centre in Watford.
For further information about LJMC, visit www.ljmc.org . Find out more about The Peace Children's Centre atwww.hertschs.nhs.uk/services/children/Peace_Childrens_Centre/default.aspx
