The Harrow and Brent branch of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) Soldiers’ Charity has held its first fundraising event since I was elected as its new chairman.

I took over the role early this year, nearly 30 years after my father Lt Col Harold Mote chaired the branch, so I appreciate the great need to support this country’s veterans.

I am hoping to revitalise the branch and help make as much impact to veterans as it can.

In mid-April, we held our charity dinner at the Coriander restaurant in Hatch End (see photo).

We were blessed to have one of the borough’s last living veterans of the Second World War attend.

Jim Davies, 94, who lives in Pinner, attended the dinner as the guest of honour.

Others in attendance were the Mayor and Mayoress of Harrow and the Deputy Lieutenant and more than 50 guests. The night was a great evening that raised vital funds for the charity and a big thank you to all that supported the night.

The Soldiers’ Charity is there for soldiers — for life — to provide financial assistance to them and their families when in need.

Even when a soldier leaves the Army, they are still part of our family and eligible for our help.

This year, the charity gave £7.93million, supported 5,295 soldiers, veterans and their families in need, and funded 76 charities to deliver help on their behalf.

The Soldiers’ Charity has been helping the Army since 1945 and is at the forefront of delivering aid where it is required — seeing that the money gets where it is needed.

The Harrow and Brent branch needs volunteers throughout the year to help with upcoming events and we are inviting anyone who wants to join the committee and get involved to contact us.To find out more about our events, please email abfharrow& brent@uk-gov.net

Major Chris Mote

Chairman of Harrow and Brent (ABF) Army Benevolent Fund, The Soldiers’ Charity