A CENTRE which provides therapy to injured and sick military personnel and veterans has held its annual Bake Off-style competition – this year inviting supporters of the charity to get involved.

Supporters of Help for Heroes teamed up with wounded veterans to make and decorate a sponge cake in the kitchens of its northern recovery centre, Phoenix House, in Catterick Garrison.

And while fun was had and friendships were forged, the event was about much more than that. It enabled the supporters to meet the beneficiaries whose support they helped to fund and to hear first-hand how their lives had improved as a result.

Ash Wason, from RMS Recruitment in Darlington, had a very personal reason for wanting to take part.

His brother, Owen Wason, was a Royal Marine who took his life in 2016 after suffering from PTSD. He had been posted to Afghanistan at the age of 18 – the youngest member of 45 Commando sent there at the time. His PTSD was brought on after seeing eight of his comrades killed by the Taliban.

“Owen was very private about what he was going through and never visited Phoenix House,” said Mr Wason. “I was really impressed with the facilities on offer there - from the wood workshop to counselling. It was great to chat to the veterans and learn about the support they receive.”

Mr Wason, who was representing his family business which provides employment, payroll and human resources services, was paired up with Northern Ireland veteran Edward Johnston.

He served with the Royal Irish UDR for 25 years before being medically discharged with shrapnel injuries and PTSD.

Mr Johnston suffers from ‘survivors guilt’ and experiences flashbacks and nightmares – except when he stays at Phoenix House.

He was visiting with his wife Violet to attend a compassionate resilience course when invited to join in the Bake Off.

Help for Heroes is encouraging the bakers in the North East to join forces for the nation’s biggest bake sale, from June 22 to June 30, and be part of ‘The Force for Good’ by raising money to empower wounded and injured veterans and their families to reach their potential.

Sign up at www.bakeforheroes.org.uk.