OVER the past decade Troop Aid has helped thousands of military personnel in their hour of need with innovative grab bags – and now the charity is hoping to continue its support at its 10th anniversary ball.
This year, as well as the usual efforts to raise funds, a painting of nine different Land Rovers and Defenders in various combat roles is set to be auctioned on November 19 at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich Spa.
The painting has been signed by the artist, Stuart Spencer and endorsed by the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, Dr Ralf Speth.
The Solihull artist has spent most of his career as Jaguar’s Whitley Design Studio Manager, on the outskirts of Coventry.
He said: “I have always enjoyed painting, cars especially, and each year I try to give something back to a charity.
“I heard about the work of Troop Aid some years ago and when I realised that the charity’s 10th anniversary ball coincided with the end of the Defender production, I felt there was the idea for this year’s painting.
“The charity is one of the most genuine ones I know and I am very much on board with their work in supporting our injured service men and women.”
The painting is acrylic on canvas board and the unframed painting measures 30 inches (76 cm) x 20 inches (50 cm).
Troop Aid’s chairman Al Sutton said: “We are thrilled and so grateful that Stuart has chosen to make this very special gift to Troop Aid.
“The detail on his painting is absolutely incredible.”
Since the charity started in 2006 by three ex servicemen Troop Aid has given a helping hand to personnel are injured either on training exercise or in combat when they return to the United Kingdom without their personal effects or clothing.
Troop Aid supplies them with the ‘basic essentials’ in a Grab Bag.
Items in the Grab Bag include T-shirt and shorts, washing and shaving kit, towel, face flannel, toothpaste, toothbrush, shower mules, socks and underwear.
The charity also makes up Grab Bags for injured female service personnel.
In addition to this emergency pack Troop Aid also supplies on demand to the injured service personnel many other items of clothing and footwear such as tracksuits, hoodies, fleeces and trainers.
Anyone interested in bidding for the painting but who is not able to attend the Ball, a sealed bid process will be operating until Saturday 12 November.
All bids must contain the name, address and telephone number of the bidder and should be sent to the Troop Aid office at 21 Radway Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4NR.
For more on Troop Aid or to get a booking form for the Ball visit www.troopaid.info or call 0121 711 7215.
