Holidays for Heroes Jersey
671. Richard Woodhouse
A generous man from Jersey provides free holidays to current and former service men and women injured during their service.
Richard Woodhouse, along with his wife Dawn, is the founder of ‘Holidays for Heroes Jersey’, a charity providing free holidays to injured armed forces personnel and their families. Inspired by stories of sacrifice during a Remembrance Sunday service in 2007, Richard and his wife Dawn decided to offer their home to a few former servicemen for a short break.
Since then, Richard and the charity have raised over £1.5 million, providing 2200 former or serving soldiers and family members with stays all over Jersey, giving them the chance to rest and relax with each other.
In a personal letter to Richard, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“With ‘Holidays for Heroes Jersey’ you are giving injured service men and women the opportunity to enjoy well-deserved holidays on the beautiful island of Jersey. These brave individuals have given our country so much and your charity is a wonderful way for people to show their gratitude for their service.
You and Dawn have inspired remarkable generosity from Islanders and the local business community and I’m delighted that this fundraising is helping Holidays for Heroes Jersey go from strength to strength.”
Richard said:
“I am amazed and honoured to receive the Points of Light award; it is a fine recognition of the charity, our team of volunteers and the generous people and business community of Jersey. It is a privilege for our charity to be able to help those who have been injured serving Queen and Country and all of our guests are made so welcome by the Islanders”