Students raise cash for injured veterans

Big-hearted Fife students have raised thousands for wounded, injured and sick forces veterans – despite coronavirus forcing the cancellation of a major fundraising event.

The St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament – the largest polo event in Scotland – is held annually at Errol, Perthshire, and has raised nearly £72,000 for Help for Heroes since 2015.

The student organisers were forced to cancel this year’s event, which was due to take place on Saturday April 25, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The participants and spectators were offered a refund, with the option to make a donation to Help for Heroes.

This resulted in £9,200 being raised for the forces charity.

George Nickerson, tournament director, said: “Despite the forced cancellation of this year’s tournament, our team have been taken aback by the generosity of our guests.

“When given the option of a partial refund, many of our guests – the vast majority of whom are university students – chose to donate a portion of, or even their entire refund, directly to Help for Heroes.

“Because of this overwhelming response from the St Andrews community, we are thrilled to be able to donate £9,200 to Help for Heroes.

“While we may still be at home and away from our loved ones, preparations for the 2021 tournament have already begun and we hope to welcome people back to Errol next year.”

David Martin, Help for Heroes’ head of fundraising, said: “We are especially grateful to all those who chose to support us this year as, like all charities, our fundraising income has been hit and we need essential funds to ensure we can keep supporting our wounded and sick veterans.”