GIVEN its military connections, it’s no surprise Colchester has a strong link with Help for Heroes.
The charity, founded in October 2007, believes those who serve our country in the Armed Forces deserve support when they’re wounded and has already helped more than 26,500 people.
Every day, men and women have to leave their career as a result of physical or psychological wounds.
The charity helps them, and their families, with support in the community and online so they can recover and get on with their lives.
Natural bone leaders - Manningtree Osteopath Clinic held two open days in March 2010, with proceeds split between Help for Heroes and the Essex Air Ambulance. Pictured are Jeremy Allen (right) and Tim Curtis
Dozens of fundraising events have taken place down the years, across north Essex.
So to celebrate Armed Forces Day, taking place tomorrow, we’re turning the clock back and looking at some of our favourite pictures from Help for Heroes events.
A national collection is being arranged this weekend, both tomorrow and Sunday.
Scrum down and lend your support - a Help for Heroes event was held at Colchester Rugby Club in March 2010. Among the highlights were an under-sevens fancy dress tag rugby tournament and a sponsored walk
Collections will take place across the country and Colchester residents can show their support at the Tesco Extra store, in Highwoods Square, Highwoods.
Anyone unable to visit a Tesco store can still donate HERE.
Please give generously - Ross Richardson, Jason Bradbury and Michael Smith joined members of staff from Colchester's Fiveways Co-op. Together they were raising money for Help for Heroes in March 2010
Band of hope and glory - Colchester and District Pipes and Drums entertained onlookers in Lion Walk during a giant cake sale in aid of Help for Heroes, in March 2010
On the crest of a shave - former soldier Ron Silberbach had his hair and beard shaved after a VE Day 65th anniversary service in Clacton, in May 2010. Mick Capon was on hand with the razor
Leap of faith - Dave Webb, from Topps Tiles, in Clacton, completed a charity jump with the Red Devils in aid of Help For Heroes. It took place in 2010
Cheque mates - members of Boxted Women’s Institute served a three-course dinner to 110 guests in the village hall in aid of Help for Heroes, in 2009. Colonel Andrew Totten, chaplain to the 16 Air Assault Brigade, was presented with a cheque for £3,000 by group president Geraldine Russell
Team spirit - in 2009, a match between Mersea Island Rugby Club (in red) and the 16 Brigade Presidents was held at Melville Barracks, in Colchester. Other fun events took place with all proceeds going to Help for Heroes
Thick of the action - Mersea Island Rugby Club (in red) faced the 16 Brigade Presidents in a fundraising match at Melville Barracks, Colchester, in 2009
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