Burnbrae pub manager Helen McIntyre is organising a Help4Heroes day on Sunday, August 16 — the last day of the school holidays — and the community has rallied to make it not just a successful fundraiser, but a spectacular family fun day.

Help4Heroes is a charity which gives direct practical help to service men and women who have been wounded in the line of duty in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Burnbrae is noted for its charity events, usually within the pub, but Helen said: "When I floated this idea everyone was so enthusiastic that it was evident we couldn't host an event on our premises that would do justice to the fundraising ideas that poured forth from the regulars and staff.

"Developers CALA have given us the use of the land at the old Burnbrae bus garage for the day and we have a huge array of challenge equipment from the forces as well as a visiting helicopter and parachutists. The army, navy and RAF will all be represented."

Helen has the appropriate insurances in place through the pub brewers and was expected to finalise other formalities with East Dunbartonshire Council this week.

After outlining her ambitious plans to members of Bearsden North Community Council, the committee decided to kick-start her fundraising efforts with a donation of £500 which will go directly to the charity.

Victor Budas, of the community council, said: "Although there are a number of other wonderful service charities doing great work for all those who serve and have served in the armed forces, Help4Heroes has focussed on the current casualties in particular and their funds will directly benefit servicing men and women.

"Help4Heroes hopes to encourage donations from the general public who do not normally donate to the service charities. The charity is independent of the forces and is therefore able to give funds to any service charity or facility where a need is identified.

"Much of these donations are raised though fun events such as the one being organsied by Helen, and Bearsden North CC hope everyone in Bearsden and Milngavie, especially our youngsters, will enjoy this fun event and hope others will join the Burnbrae efforts in supporting the forces."

Local businesses will be invited to sponsor the event by way of advertising, including having banners around the grounds on the day, and further information on that aspect of the fundraiser is available
from the Burnbrae on 0141 942 5951.