Lotto cash helps veterans pay final respects to lost comrades

The lottery cash has been earmarked to pay for veterans and widows of veterans to visit the battlefields and areas they or their loved ones served in during the 1939 to 1945

conflict.

But they only have until the end of the year to claim the money.

Now John Babbage, 65, and former prisoner of war, Ted Cachart, 86, have teamed-up to spread the word about the pot of Lotto cash among remaining WW2 veterans, and are offering free help and advice to those interested in claiming.

John, from Stockwood, South Luton, says they must all act now or miss out.

He said: “There are still many veterans or their widows who are unaware this money is available and they only have until the end of the year to lodge their claim.

“And it’s not just the Army, Air force and Navy who can apply: Merchant Navy, Auxiliary Territorial Service, Navy Wrens and in some cases members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force may also be eligible.”

Lancaster bomber crew member Ted, from Derby, said: “Many ex-servicemen want to revisit their theatre of war to rekindle memories or friendships or visit graves. For widows it’s a chance to see where their husbands fought.”

Ted, whose crew were downed on a bombing mission to Berlin, has already used the fund to visit two of his wartime bases in Avignon and Nice. He has also been to Germany.

He said: “The idea is it allows you to pay the respect of remembrance. I had three very good friends all buried in Europe. I got to visit the graves of two of them.”

Five levels of grants are available from the Big Lotto Fund, a Government sponsored body responsible for giving out money to good causes.

Veterans and widows can claim from £150 for travelling in Britain, up to £5,500 for those who served in the far east. Those who have funded their own travel may also be able to reclaim some of the costs.

Ted, who joined the air force at 15, fibbed about his age to become the youngest ever bomber command crew member, added: “It’s important to remember. And if you’re fit enough, then the money is there for the taking. My mission is to let people know it’s there.”

John, managing director of travel company World War Two Heritage Tours, who specialise in trips to theatres of war said: “We have had a number of clients who have taken advantage of the scheme, going to Normandy and Italy and some all the way Thailand to visit the bridge on the river Kwai.

“But I’m surprised how many of our customers were previously unaware that it even exists. As for many the form completing can be somewhat daunting we’re now offering people free advice.”

Lotto Fund, said that since 2004 £28million had been awarded through the scheme which was due to finish in January 2011. But it was extended until the end of this year thanks to an extra £1 million in the pot.