A Wilmslow resident and prolific fundraiser has raised just under £20,000 for the Combat Stress Appeal 'The Enemy Within' which was set up to ensure that veterans and their families are never far from help.
During the past three years Khumi Burton has held three small lunches, a collection at Handforth Dean with the help of Alan Burton, Loose Change and Forever and A Day as well as selling cards at the Combined Charities Christmas Cards Shop at Wilmslow Library.
Her most recent fundraiser, a lunch at the Stanneylands Hotel attended by thirty-six friends, raised £4050 and last year Jo Singh, who runs the newsagents in Lacey Green, raised over £450 for the worthy cause by encouraging customers to drop their pennies in a bucket.
'The Enemy Within' appeal was launched by HRH the Prince of Wales in March 2010, when Khumi was delighted to join representatives from the forces and fellow volunteers at St. James's Palace for the launch event, where she was introduced to HRH Prince Charles.
Khumi got involved with Combat Stress because of her husband Sidney, a retired Major with the Cheshire Regiment (now 1st Mercian). Sidney was a great supporter and she wanted to do something for him and Combat Stress as he has allowed her to pursue her own interests with voluntary organisations and charities all these years.
Khumi is now concentrating her efforts for Combat Stress on helping the Community Outreach Team, made up of a regional welfare officer, a welfare support team, a clinical nurse and a therapist. They cover the whole of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire, providing welfare support, primary assessment, on-going treatment and group therapy, as well as vital support for the family. It costs £5000 a week to run a team.
Khumi said "Sidney and I would like to thank all those who have supported in the last three years and we hope that the support will continue.
"The money raised goes direct to Combat Stress HQ which also acts as one the three centres in this country."
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