Head of the Army backs The Lord Mayor's Big Curry

25 February 2010

General Sir David Richards, Chief of the General Staff, today helped launch The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry to raise money for our Current Operations Fund and support troops fighting in Afghanistan.

Sir David, along side former LCpl Adnan Sarwar ,Chairman of Lloyd’s Lord Levene and Alderman and Sheriff David Wootton heralded the 2010 event at Lloyd’s of London with the ringing of the historic Lutine Bell.

General Sir David Richards spoke of his support for the event and The Soldiers’ Charity.

“With the Army at the forefront of the conflict in Afghanistan it is massively important that people support The Soldiers’ Charity to allow them to continue their work with soldiers, former soldiers and their families – now and long into the future.

“Money raised from this event will go towards the Current Operations Fund and help ensure that no one who has fought in Afghanistan or Iraq goes without assistance when in need.”

Adnan Sarwar served for almost eight years with the Royal Engineers working in bomb disposal, telecommunications and physical training but when he left the army the only jobs offered to him were cleaning.

“People didn’t understand what the Army did or the potential of an ex-soldier” he said. “I was looking for my next challenge, not a mop and bucket.

“I struggled to find money to fund a degree which would help me into a future in the media. I approached numerous charities and organisations and never thought about approaching the armed forces. I’d seen enough boys and girls coming back injured and felt they needed the money more than me. The Soldiers’ Charity stepped in and changed my life.

“Since starting my Masters and showing a talent in the industry I have had numerous job offers. The Soldier’s Charity really helped me and help like theirs changes lives.”

Lloyd’s Chairman, Lord Peter Levene, said: “As one of the oldest institutions in London, we are proud to help ABF The Soldiers’ Charity launch the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch.

“As a former Lord Mayor myself, I am more than aware of the positive contribution the City makes, and urge everyone to get involved with the day.”

The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry is held on the 29th April at the Guildhall in London and is the largest event of the nationwide Big Curry. All profits raised go towards the Soldiers’ Charity’s Current Operations Fund which helps soldiers and their families who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Purchase tickets for the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry now!