Making it happen for Veterans Aid

The single that is already raising money for Veterans Aid got its first play on BFBS on 26 September when musicians Northfield (From left - Tim Widdup and PC James Fitzgerald) joined Glyn Strong to talk about the charity's work and the police Big Bus Pull. The fundraising spectacular will see a mixed police/military team of 20 with input from all Services haul a fully laden Routemaster double decker bus from the Cenotaph to the Grosvenor Hotel on 6 November.

Make it Happen is an inspirational song, written by the duo with Olympic aspirations in mind, but chiming equally well with all the VA stands for - 'making it happen' for veterans of all ages who end up in crisis and need a hand up.

Epping Forest Pipe Band will be playing along to keep everyone’s spirits up and Northfield have pledged all profits from their latest single to the charity. (The 3.55 minute Make it Happen (for Veterans Aid) can be downloaded from iTunes for 79p). One half of Northfield, PC James Fitzgerald, will also be helping to pull the bus.

Sgt Dave Johns from Waltham Forest Police Safer Transport Team is the team’s captain and driving force. “We’re still appealing for sponsorship and offers from celebrities willing to ride in the bus. This will be quite a sight in the centre of town on a Sunday and we’ve asked some well-known people to support us. Veterans Aid is a very special charity that has been working quietly for nearly 80 years to help ex-Servicemen and women in crisis and we want to do something equally special for them.”

CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy said, “ We are bowled over by this gesture. Our work with homeless veterans is helped by an excellent working relationship with the Metropolitan Police and the ethos of people who wear – or have worn – a uniform standing by one another is what we are all about. We will be out in force to support this joint police/military effort, cheering them on every step of the way!”

A music DVD featuring some of those involved in the Big Bus Pull is being produced by TTV ( www.ttvpictures.co.uk) . For more information please contact Glyn Strong on media@veterans-aid.net