Bournemouth Air Festival gives vital boost to charities (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Bournemouth Air Festival gives vital boost to charities
2:00pm Saturday 25th August 2012 in News By Steven Smith
Allen Parton and Anne Wheeley of Hounds for Heroes
THE founder of one of the charities being supported by this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival has spoken of the importance of the event to its aims.
Allen Parton, a former sailor who was injured in the 1991 Gulf War, founded Hounds for Heroes to provide wounded veterans with assistance dogs.
His charity, alongside the Jon Egging Trust – set up in memory of the Red Arrows pilot who died in a crash after a display in Bournemouth last year – and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, will receive donations through the sale of air festival brochures.
The brochures cost £6 and come with a wristband, with £1 going to the charities. Last year £21,000 was raised.
Allen said: “One of the things the people of Bournemouth are doing is really sending a clear message to those injured, disabled and traumatised and to those overseas that they care and that’s a very powerful message to be sending out.
“The very humbling thing is the people aren’t letting us do it on our own.”
In a link with the Jon Egging tragedy last year, Hounds for Heroes named one of its dogs Red 4, after Jon’s role in the aerobatic team.
Earlier this year his widow, Dr Emma Egging, met the dog at the air festival launch in Bournemouth.
Speaking earlier this week on the anniversary of Jon’s death, Emma said: “Please help us take Jon’s positive ethos for life forward by supporting the work of the Jon Egging Trust, which was set up in his memory.”
• Brochures are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Westover Road, the Daily Echo offices and at retail outlets across town.
Pilots invited to enjoy hospitality
Pilots taking part in Sunday’s flying programme at the Bournemouth Air Festival are being encouraged to call into the VIP Hospitality Marquee in support of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation Hospitality Day.
The Royal Navy Black Cats Display Team and the Tigers Parachute Display Team have already confirmed and are sure to provide the guests with a day to remember.
The hospitality day is held each year to raise funds for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation which was founded four years ago in memory of Lt John Thornton who was killed in Afghanistan.
The Foundation provides opportunities for local young people to follow their dream.
The hospitality marquee provides the perfect setting to watch the stunning action and guests really do enjoy the show in style.
A raffle and silent add to the excitement of the day.
To secure a place contact 01425 274300 or email mau rice.patterson@gmail.com
