Poetry competition raises cash for Help For Heroes

The idea was the brainchild of Burnley publisher Mr Peter Quinn, who says he has been stunned by the response.

He asked writers to make a donation towards the charity as an entry fee in a year-long competition organised by his firm, United Press.

“The appeal raised £791 within days,” he said. “That’s more than we expected to raise in the entire year the competition will run. We were absolutely bowled over by the public’s reaction.”

Writers can submit a poem of any length on the theme of Help for Heroes. The winner will receive £250 in shopping vouchers donated by Primark, have their poem published by United Press in a collection of modern poetry and will receive a copy of the book.

Charity campaigner and ex-Serviceman Mr Arthur Roe accepted the money on behalf of Help for Heroes. He said: “United Press is asking all entrants to donate at least £1 in the form of a cheque made out to Help for Heroes. The fact some people have donated as much as £50 for entering one poem shows how much they care.”

The Army was represented by Sgt Tam Miller, who said: “The competition gives the public the opportunity to express their feelings about the campaign and make a significant contribution to the good work the campaign does.”

Entries are only accepted by post. They should have the words Help for Heroes at the top, and be accompanied by a cheque made out to Help for Heroes. Entries should be sent to United Press, Admail 3735, London, EC1B 1JB, by November 11th, 2011. See www.unitedpress.co.uk for details.

“Cheques must be made out to Help for Heroes and you can donate as much as you like and enter as many poems as you like,” said Mr Quinn, who will judge the competition. “We’re looking for poems related to Help for Heroes. It could be a poem about an individual or a poem with a message.”