Keelby-based community group Villages Unite has raised £8,854 for Help For Heroes

KEELBY-based community group Villages Unite has donated a staggering £8,854 to Help For Heroes.

The money was raised at the group's second annual village gala in July.

Corporal Graeme Stiff, of the Light Aid Detachment of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, who was killed in Afghanistan.
Presenting the £8,853.94 cheque at the Nag's Head are, front, from left, Karen Elliott, Eddie Sims, Lieutenant Colonel David Stiff, Harold Thompson and Beverley Funnell. Back, Michael Lea, Arthur Moug, John Stevenson and Amanda Stevenson.

The group, which also encompasses neighbouring villages including Great Limber, Habrough and Brocklesby, was formed following the death of Keelby soldier Corporal Graeme Stiff, 24, in Afghanistan in March last year.

Graeme's father, Lieutenant Colonel David Stiff, accepted the donation on behalf of the charity.

He said: "It's an absolutely awesome amount, especially in today's climate. You don't have to agree with warfare – it's supporting the people who go out there and this nation does that in spades.

"The gala was a fantastic event. I took the salute from the cadets and said a few words. It was very moving."

Eddie Sims, chairman of Villages Unite, said: "We've got to thank the local people and businesses who have been tremendously generous. We couldn't have raised that money without them.

"Help For Heroes is worth supporting because a lot of soldiers come home with bad injuries and they certainly need some help to get them on their feet."