Charitable Event Partnership

Since launching in 2007, Help for Heroes has championed the role of sport in the recovery process of the country’s wounded and has been involved with the rugby community since 2008 when the first charity rugby game was held at Twickenham. The Charity’s Sports Recovery programme plays a significant role in the recovery of many injured and sick servicemen, women and veterans. The incredible success seen at the Invictus Games last summer helped to demonstrate that sport really can have a positive impact following a serious injury.

Mo Usman, manager of Help for Heroes Northern Recovery Centre, Phoenix House at Catterick, said he was thrilled that the charity was set to benefit from such a high profile event in the region.

“For Darlington Mowden Park to have attracted two international rugby matches to the arena is a fantastic achievement and we are hugely grateful that they have offered Help for Heroes the opportunity to be involved,” he said.

“It’s a great fit because sport, of all kinds, plays a vital part in the recovery of many of our wounded, injured and sick servicemen, women and veterans, building resilience in body, mind and spirit.

“Playing rugby takes skill, team work, determination and courage – all attributes that we at Help for Heroes see every day in our beneficiaries on their road to recovery. But they could not do any of this without the tremendous backing of the great British public.

“Together, we are a team, all striving towards the same goal: to inspire, enable and support our Heroes – for life.”

The Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick - only 25 minutes away from the Northern Echo Arena - forms part of the Defence Recovery Capability and is one of four Help for Heroes Recovery Centres in the country, Help for Heroes has a significant role to play in the lives of injured and sick servicemen and women in the North East and, through this partnership with Mowden Park, continues to champion recovery through sport.

Lee Rust Mowden Park Managing Director commented: ‘’We are delighted to have agreed the partnership. Help for Heroes represents a fantastic cause that we are proud to support and be associated with. The Help for Heroes staff and volunteers will no doubt enhance the occasion as well as raising vital funds and awareness for their cause and initiatives.

“The event marks the start of what we hope will grow into a long term relationship.’’