Festival for late soldier's fund

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  • xman
    Admin
    • Sep 2006
    • 24007

    Festival for late soldier's fund


    A fundraising festival is taking place for a foundation in memory of the 200th British soldier to die in Afghanistan.Saturday's live music, activities and events are being staged at Bailey Park, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

    The Welsh Warrior Festival has been organised by family and friends of Pte Richard Hunt, 21, who died after his patrol vehicle was hit by an explosion.

    His mother Hazel said she hoped it would become an annual event to support Welsh troops injured in conflict.

    Bands will perform throughout the day and evening on a stage in the park.

    They will alternate with activities ranging from police dog displays to motorcycle demonstrations in a nearby arena, along with rides, stalls and food and beer tents.

    Mrs Hunt said: "Many of those taking part have volunteered. We just said we'd pay for their petrol and diesel and feed them.

    "It's quite nerve-wracking, it's taken an enormous amount of organisation. As long as it's successful then I would like it to be become an annual event."

    Pembrokeshire-born Pte Hunt, of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh, died two days after his vehicle was hit by an explosion in Helmand Province in August.

    His family set up The Richard Hunt Foundation in memory of the soldier, who grew up in Abergavenny.

    Mrs Hunt added: "Our aim in the short-term is provide help to injured soldiers who are serving in or attached to the Welsh battalions.

    "We have given out three lots of money to help people with their situation so far. Unfortunately due to the nature of the charity while we are at war there is a necessity for it."

    Representatives from many of the other armed forces charities will be present along with the foundation's patrons - comedian Max Boyce, rugby legend Gareth Edwards, athlete Christian Malcolm and Lt Col Mark Wheeler, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh.

    Mrs Hunt added: "We are hoping around 5,000 people will come - if we get 5,000 people we will be cock-a-hoop.

    "The local people and local businesses in Abergavenny have been tremendously supportive.


    "If we make it an annual event it would be [the foundation's] big fundraising event."This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.


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