Help for Heroes

Around ten bands will lead members of the Royal British Legion, Apprentice Boys of Derry and the Orange Order on a route that starts in the Irish Street estate on the evening of August 27.

The Help for Heroes fundraising parade has been endorsed by the Apprentice Boys and the Orange Order and both organisations are urging members to go along and support it.

The parade is the brainchild of local man, Tommy Lynch, helped by the East Bank Protestant Boys flute band, of which he is a member; and others have also got on board to help organise the event, which already looks like becoming a major success.

The parade has been backed by the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and the Apprentice Boys.

A brief joint statement issued to the Sentinel said: "The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and the General Committee of the Apprentice Boys of Derry endorse the Help for Heroes fundraising parade. We call on all members to support it."

The charity was set up to help wounded British service men and women, and Mr Lynch believes that the reality of the war will hit home more than ever shortly, with the Royal Irish Regiment and then the Irish Guards set to go to Afghanistan.

"The TA is out there as well, and more will be going out," he added.

The parade will start at Dennet Gardens at 7.15pm, with a route that takes in Mourne Drive, Finn Gardens, Bann Drive, Sheskin Gardens, Woodburn Park and Blackburn Crescent.

Mr Lynch said the idea came about because he wanted to raise funds for the Help for Heroes charity.

"At that time it seemed nothing major was being done in the town though other towns had done things. But I've recently seen a few things starting to happen here in terms of raising funds.

"At the start I had hoped we could raise at least 1,000 but hopefully we can raise a lot more."

Although Mr Lynch first came up with the idea of a parade and street collection to raise funds for the charity, he has since received help to organise the event, from a number of sources including the band, Gateway to Protestant Participation and the Apprentice Boys, as well as others.

He hopes that ten bands will take part in the parade, leading members of the Royal British Legion, Orange Order and the Apprentice Boys, who will march without banners.

He is also hoping that there will be a significant number of spectators who will wish to contribute to a very worthwhile cause.

Visitors from outside the city will also take part, including a band from Dungiven, and the Orange Orders' Limavady District.

Foyle MLA William Hay, who lives in the area, said the parade would have widespread support.

He said: "I think it's very important that people come and show their support. There are a number of people in the city and the wider region who have lost their lives, and I would urge the public to go along and to give generously."