The event is organised by fundraiser, Chanai Operanta, with the help of friends and students. Chanai, a second year history student, said: "The contribution being made by our armed forces around the world is both humbling and outstanding. As a nation we seldom thank them enough for the sacrifices they make. Our service men and women that are injured are more than deserving of a little thought from each of us, and help on their return."

Starbucks is kindly donating over 10 litres of hot coffee; while local and national companies in Edinburgh, Oxfordshire, Cardiff, Port Talbot and Swansea have donated a wide selection of baked goods to complement the home baked cakes and pastries donated by members of the student community.  

A raffle will be held on the day to win a custom made Help for Heroes cake made by a Honeybunch Cupcakes in Newport and a wide variety of official merchandise, provided by the Help for Heroes trading centre, will also be available for sale.

Help for Heroes is at the forefront of assisting service men and women from the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force who have suffered injuries in recent conflicts. Without the charity the quality of lives of these veterans would be somewhat different.

"As the daughter of a Welsh Guardsman, who served in the Falklands Island conflict and got wounded in active duty, I know how important it is for soldiers to receive proper medical attention upon their return," added Chanai.

Growing up as the daughter of a military veteran, Chanai has previously been involved with many fundraising and charity challenges. For example, a skydive from 13,500 ft over the Gower Peninsula in support of Help for Heroes and a climb to the top of Pen-Y-Fan mountain in support of The South Atlantic Medal Association - a charity which supports veterans of the Falklands Island conflict. In addition, the Swansea student has regularly sold poppies on behalf of The British Legion.

Looking to the future, Chanai concluded: "In September 2011, I am going to trek The Great Wall of China - a distance of 64km over a period of 7 days - in support of Help for Heroes. It will be a huge challenge but one that is worth it if it means that I raise thousands for such a good cause."

If you would like to support the charity but are unable to attend the event, visit: www.justgiving.com/chanai-operanta

 

This news item was generated by Beth Lauder, Swansea University Public Relations Office. Tel: 01792 513245. Email: b.lauder@swansea.ac.uk.