A music composer from Caerphilly is encouraging everyone to improve their physical and mental wellbeing this summer by taking part in a sponsored challenge for Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes.

In 2018 Dan Curtis, 36, and his wife Laura created a fundraising video “The Hero” featuring dozens of stars of stage and screen, performing a song written by the duo to say thank you to those injured or ill as a result of their military service. The couple had been inspired after meeting wounded veterans at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida, two years before. They persuaded stars including Superman actor Henry Cavill, Dame Judy Dench, Sir David Jason and Sir Paul McCartney to take part in the video which raised over £10,000 for the military charity, which has a team providing support to beneficiaries across Wales.

Since creating the video, Dan has supported Help for Heroes’ Community Recovery Team’s events and awareness days at their base in Treforest, and at the launch of the 40,000 Strong campaign in Caerphilly last November.

Dan said, “The impact of living in lockdown has affected the mental and physical health of people all over the world. I’m taking part in Help for Heroes’ Step2It challenge because I’ve met so many people who have had their lives turned around by the incredible support they’ve received through the charity.”

“Step2It is a challenge everyone can be a part of, whether you walk, run, dance, or wheel your distance, over 30 days you can improve your wellbeing and support our incredible Armed Forces who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe.”

In Wales, Help for Heroes has a dedicated team providing holistic support to men and women whose military careers have been cut short due to illness or injury. At the present time, Case Managers, Veterans Clinical Liaison and 1-2-1 Key Workers are delivering support remotely via telephone and video calls. Beneficiaries can also access the charity’s Hidden Wounds service for psychological support.

Recovery Manager Shelley Elgin says, “Our skilled staff work throughout Wales and Hereford, delivering life-changing services including welfare and career advice, 1-2-1 support, fellowship, and clinical liaison. During the Coronavirus pandemic Help for Heroes has also made our digital toolkit, the Field Guide to Self-Care, available to our healthcare workers, and anyone who is struggling, via our website.”

She adds, “Help for Heroes relies on the generosity of the public to support our work and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes time to volunteer to collect for us, hosts a sponsored event or activity to raise vital funds to Help for Heroes. Dan and Laura Curtis are fantastic supporters of our charity and we want to thank them and everyone who’s taking part in the Step2It challenge this summer.”

Dan has recorded a video talking about his inspiration to support Help for Heroes.

To sponsor Dan, go to his fundraising page or to sign up for Step2It visit the website.

To get support from Help for Heroes contact the Community Recovery Team.