Over £40,000 raised for Help for Heroes from couple's front garden

A retired couple have spent the past six years making and selling cakes and chutneys to their community to raise funds for Help for Heroes.

Gala Tent Ltd has played a significant part in the couples’ fundraising efforts by donating a Gala Tent gazebo to house the stall, helping to keep it weatherproof throughout their fundraising events.

The event originated in Mr Brown’s back garden in 2009, after his daughter Sally returned from Canada after serving more than 20 years in the army. 

Sally joined the army aged 17, and has toured Iraq and Afghanistan during the past decade. During this time she has witnessed many friends endure life changing injuries and some lose their lives. David and Pat were moved by the stories they heard upon her return, and decided to raise funds to support wounded military personnel.

After a staggering £325 was raised on their first day of trade, neighbours requested that Mr Brown made the fundraising day a regular event as opposed to only once a year. This lead to a monthly stall at Rainbow in Beccles and then Exchange Square. David and Pat Brown from Burgh St Peter, Norfolk have raised an amazing £40,037 for Help for Heroes in total, and £11,500 last year alone. The annual Armed Forces Day celebration at the Browns’ home has since grown year upon year and now includes a tea tent, raffle and a jumble sale.

Pat spends a week before each events baking everything ready for the public. She bakes everything from sticky gingerbread to lemon drizzle cake and Bakewell tarts. The fundraiser has been a great way to bring the village together as well as raising funds for Help for Heroes.

Mr Brown, 72 said: “We are so proud to have raised all that money, but we couldn't have done it without all the fabulous support we get. The gazebo is fantastic and has never let me down. The quality is unbeatable and the service from Gala Tent has proved invaluable in the long-running success of the event.”

The couple plan to continue this fundraising event around 10 times a year and further commented “We will keep doing it as long as we are fit and able.”