An army veteran from Congleton is one of 44 veterans, carers, and staff from Help for Heroes, who will pay tribute to fallen comrades by joining the Cenotaph march-past on Remembrance Sunday (10 November) in London.   

The veterans, who have all been supported by the charity, along with members of staff who have also served, will form part of the Help for Heroes' delegation attending the annual parade, which sees 10,000 members of the veteran community marching shoulder to shoulder in an act of remembrance along Whitehall. 

John Harper, aged 77, served in the cadets and Territorial Army before enlisting in January 1966. He spent time with the Loyal Regiment based in Malta, and did a tour of duty in Aden; and then with the King's Regiment, in Germany, Northern Ireland, and Hong Kong, serving for a total of 12 years.

While he was in Aden, the vehicle John was travelling in was deliberately hit by another vehicle and he suffered spinal and internal injuries.

This led to bouts of spinal pain and muscle spasms throughout the remainder of his army career. Later, after leaving the army, the spinal and neuropathic symptoms John was experiencing began to affect his day-to-day life.  

John contacted Help for Heroes, in 2022, when he needed support with adaptations to his bathroom, which has helped to make him more comfortable in his own home. The Charity helps veterans, and their families, access funding to better manage injuries and illnesses. 

John Harper from Congleton, aged 77. (Photo: John Harper)

John explained: "My wife and I usually go to the local Remembrance service, in Congleton. This year, I'm looking forward to meeting up with members of my old units at the London ceremony.  

"On a trip to London a few years back, my wife and I walked past and paused at the Cenotaph, and it brought back memories of my former comrades who were killed in Germany and Northern Ireland. I'll be thinking of them when I join the march past the Cenotaph." 

A spokesman for Help for Heroes added: "As we join the nation to commemorate the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country, Help for Heroes also remembers those still fighting their own battles today. 

"We remain at the side of veterans like John and their families who are struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation, and more – providing life-changing support for as long as it takes – fighting for the peace they deserve." 

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The charity helps veteran families to recover and get on with their lives. Thanks to the generosity of the British public, it has already supported more than 31,000 people and won't stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.  

The Charity supports veterans and their families, from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.  

Supporting our veterans is a wonderful living tribute to the memory of the fallen. To support Help for Heroes in transforming lives, please visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate.