Take part in The Big Brew Up

Celebrity chef, soldier, engineer and environmentalist Dick Strawbridge is lending his support to The Big Brew Up, an annual fundraiser for forces charity SSAFA.

Every year tea parties take place up and down the country and around the world wherever British Forces are based including Afghanistan, Canada, Germany and Cyprus.

The idea is that people get together with family, friends and colleagues for a cup of tea and a slice of cake and all the money raised goes towards supporting current and former members of the armed forces and their families.

This year’s Big Brew Up Week will be held from October 7-13 and Dick is encouraging people to register now to receive their fundraising pack in plenty of time for the main event.

Dick said: “Having served in the army for over 20 years, I know the difficulties military families can face. It’s hard moving home so often, and all the members of a family feel the stress when a mother, father, son or daughter deploys away from home for months at a time. That’s why the work SSAFA does is so important.

“Holding a Big Brew Up might not seem like a lot, but the money raised will go towards helping our service men and women, and their families. Whether it’s helping a World War Two Veteran with his heating bills, or offering support and advice to a family who have lost a loved one in Afghanistan, SSAFA is there for them.

“They need your help now to keep up their vital work. So go on, put the kettle on and get baking!”

Dick was a ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ 2010 finalist.