An Army Major awarded the George Cross for bravery and a solicitor who had to be dramatically rescued from Mount Kilimanjaro will be talking about a charity close to their hearts at a forthcoming event in Swindon.Major Peter Norton GC, one of only 23 servicemen or women to be awarded the George Cross since the Second World War, and Chris Kane, a partner in the corporate dispute resolution team at Withy King Solicitors in Swindon, will discuss their experiences and the importance of Help for Heroes at the next Great Western Business Breakfast.
The event, organised for Swindon businesses by Withy King Solicitors, Monahans Chartered Accountants, Aldermore Invoice Finance, the FD Centre and HSBC, is at the STEAM museum on September 21.
Major Peter Norton GC, a patron for Help for Heroes, will offer an insight into the charity’s work, having himself sustained significant injuries from an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while serving in Iraq.
He remained conscious, lucid and acutely aware of further devices that he suspected might be in the area and could endanger his team and US personnel at the scene.
His clam manner and clear instructions to personnel and his refusal to be evacuated until he was satisfied that he was understood prevented further injury and loss of life. A tertiary device was discovered and rendered safe, less than 10 metres away.
Chris Kane will talk about his recent fund-raising efforts which netted £25,000 for Help for Heroes. Apart of a 41-strong team of rugby players and enthusiasts, Chris attempted to reach the 19,340ft summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – the world’s highest free-standing mountain – only to be dramatically rescued on the final leg of the journey when he became ill from a combination of altitude sickness and acute dehydration.
Chris said: “I feel privileged to have this opportunity to publically acknowledge the tremendous courage and commitment shown by our injured serviceman and women. Help for Heroes is a fantastic charity which makes a very real difference to the lives of some extraordinary people. The support we have received has been absolutely phenomenal and we are so grateful for it.”
The event is between 7.30am to 9am. To book visit www.gwbb.co.uk or contact Lisa Badger at lisa.badger@aldermore.co.uk.
