HELP For Heroes coffers are more than £3,000 the richer, thanks to the fundraising efforts of pupils from a Worcester school.

In May, Ian Baldry, Help for Heroes County Coordinator officially started the The King’s School Worcester sponsored walk with the senior school having chosen the charity through involvement with commemorations for the World War One centenary.

The 12-mile route started from Droitwich Rugby Club, and continued along the canal and River Severn back to the school. As the route passed King’s Hawford at approximately the half-way point, pupils from the junior schools as well as the younger pupils from the senior school were able to join with the teaching staff and parents.

With the money collected from sponsorships as well as donations made on a justgiving page, the school donated just over £3,200 to the charity.

Mr Baldry said: “This was an outstanding achievement and my congratulations to all concerned in having raised this very significant sum of money. A special mention must go to Theo Osborne who raised over £320 and to Carolyn Mellor, second deputy, for her considerable efforts in coordinating this fund raising event.

In the early years of Help for Heroes the urgent need was helping battlefield wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan physically rebuild their lives as well as those injured during training. However, as a result of active service, recent times have seen an increasing number seek support for psychological wounds.

In response Help for Heroes has launched a new £7.5 million “Hidden Wounds” psychological wellbeing service. The programme supports serving members of the armed forces,veterans and military families who are living with common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, hyper awareness and other everyday mental health issues that might cause an inability to sleep soundly, anger and other mental problems.

"With the ongoing support of the public Help for Heroes intends to be by their sides for as long as they need, Mr Baldry added.

To find our more details about the services provided by Help for Heroes or to make a donation access their website via www.helpforheroes.org.uk