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TICKETS FOR TROOPS
13/11/2009
Gary Lineker and Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC joined David Cameron on 10th November at the O2 to launch Tickets for Troops, a new initiative which offers the Armed Forces free tickets to big events including football matches and top music acts.
Tickets have been donated for top football and cricket matches, boxing contests, snooker, horse-racing events, theatre, and both classic and rock music concerts around the country. Thousands of these tickets will be made available to all serving military personnel and to veterans who have been discharged through injury since 2001, at the new Tickets for Troops website at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk
A donation of £1 will be requested for every ticket, which will be distributed across Service charities. Patrons include singer Joss Stone, cricketer Sir Ian Botham, singer, James Blunt, actress Joanna Lumley, Dame Vera Lynn, ex England player and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, and ex-England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio.
Commenting on the launch, Tickets for Troops Patron, Gary Lineker said:
“As a country we seem to have suddenly gained a respect and a pride in our armed forces, which in many ways, is long overdue. Tickets for Troops recognises these very special people for the extraordinary things they do every day of their lives.”
Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, awarded the VC for his courageous acts in Iraq, added:
“This is a fantastic idea and it is heartening and uplifting for any serving soldier or ex soldier to know that people really appreciate the work they do and this is a brilliant way of demonstrating respect for our Armed Forces.”
David Cameron said:
“Ticket for Troops is all about people coming together to say to the armed forces: thank you, we respect you and we recognise the sacrifice you are making for us. I’m proud of the part the Conservative Party has played in getting this off the ground and want to thank everyone for generously lending their time and support to this great cause.”