King urges millions to join Big Help Out
THE King has asked the nation to volunteer in a second Big Help Out following the success of the original during his Coronation week.
In his first statement since leaving hospital the 75-year-old monarch urged the public to sign up to lend a hand between Friday June 7 and Sunday June 9.
The aim is to build “kinder, closer communities”, he said.
“I have long believed that one of the greatest strengths of our nation is our ability to come together and help each other through times of hardship,” he added.
“Throughout my life, I have been encouraged and inspired by those selfless volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to helping others, across all communities and across the full breadth of our country.
“As I said in my Christmas broadcast last year, this is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.”
Charles, who left hospital on Monday – three days after having treatment for an enlarged prostate – said it had been “wonderful” to hear of the millions who took part in the first Big Help out last May.
“It was a source of great pride to my whole family that, thanks to all these millions who took part, the Coronation became a moment not just to celebrate continuity and nationhood but also the values that we have long held dear: kindness, compassion and service to others.”
The statement was drafted before the King went into hospital and was read out last night by royal spokesman Tobyn Andreae at the Royal Geographical Society in South Kensington, West London. The King is expected to stay away from public duties for around a month while he recovers. He said he was “delighted” to be supporting the Big Help Out 2024, which aims to involve schools and businesses. He added that examples of “a worthy cause” included supporting
a food bank, tending to a community garden and spending time with a vulnerable person.
He said: “So, if you are able, I can only encourage you to support the Big Help Out once more, thereby helping to build the kinder, closer communities of which we can all be so proud.”
More than seven million people volunteered during the first event, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, who helped renovate a Scout hut and its grounds in Slough, Berks. Last night celebrity supporter Anneka Rice, 65, said: “Last May, something amazing happened in this country.
“The Big Help Out is all about capturing that amazing spirit and making it a part of our normal lives. It’s a chance once a year for the whole country to come together in celebration of giving to others and supporting some amazing organisations who do really, really important work day in, day out.”
To register and search for events, download the Big Help Out app.