The Mill House - Keswick Norwich

Dear Mr Harvey,

I was absolutely delighted to hear that the Cheshire Farmers Hunt is supporting Help for Heroes in such a magnificent way on Wednesday 20th October. I am just so sorry that I will not be able to be with you to see the tremendous field of civilian and military riders and followers set off from Henbury Hall. It is very good of Mr Basil de Ferranti to allow you to meet at Henbury and hunt across his land. I am sure you will have a marvellous day in support of such a worthy cause. My heartfelt thanks to all involved.

All those taking part will be directly contributing to making some aspect of our wounded soldiers’ lives better. Since it was started on1st October 2007 Help for Heroes has raised over £70 million and this has either all been spent, or pledged to certain projects, to the direct benefit of our wounded soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has been simply amazing how the great British public has got behind our Armed Forces in recent years, and I know just how much encouragement our young Service people draw from this. The people of Cheshire have already contributed much, and your Hunt on Wednesday is another most generous event.

On behalf of all those serving today in the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, I thank you most sincerely for all your commitment and generosity. It is hugely appreciated.

With very many thanks,
Richard Dannatt

General Sir Richard Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL