SECOND World War veterans in the North West have been encouraged to return to the places where they saw action, with the help of cash from the Big Lottery Fund.
More than 590 veterans, widows, spouses and carers have used money from the Heroes Return 2 programme to visit places of emotional importance and remember those who never came home.
Many people have used grants for up to £5,500 to pay for trips to the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France, or Holland's memorial events for Operation Market Garden, where almost 1,500 British troops died.
More than £417,000 has been granted in the North West so far, and the deadline for applications is January 2011.
Helen Bullough, Big Lottery Fund head of region for the North West, said: “A huge debt of gratitude and recognition is owed to the men and women who valiantly fought in the Second World War. I am delighted we are able to offer Lottery funding for them to return and pay their respects at the places they served and to attend memorial events within the UK.”
For more information on the programme and to find out how to apply for a grant, call the 0845 0000 121 or visit biglotteryfund.co.uk.
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