STEPHEN DALTON

AS the 80th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain, 2020 should have been a wonderful opportunity to remember the importance of that critical battle in 1940.

The poignant memorial at Capel-le-Ferne stands in permanent recognition of those who gave their lives to defend this country and also provides a facility to teach each generation about the battle.

I am honoured to be president of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, which is charged with maintaining the memorial and its supporting educational facilities.

Typically, it costs £240,000 per year to run and maintain the memorial, the displays, facilities and the site.

Without visitors and the support they show, as well as the generous donations made by departed veterans, their families and other supporters, we could not maintain the memorial.

This year, with the pandemic, has seen an enormous hole in the essential fundraising from visitors to the site.

The support of the Daily Express and its readers has been tremendous and, as a result, the memorial and its unique set of educational facilities should be saved for the future generations to use and learn from.

Thank you all.