MELKSHAM-based armed forces network Forces Reunited has given £6,000 to the Veterans' Foundation after collecting donations through its website.

Staff at the firm, based on Challymead Business Park, handed over the money after receiving donations through Forces Reunited, the forum website for British Armed Forces, where ex servicemen can reunite with veterans they served with, and keep up to date with news.

Dominic Hayhoe, 46, CEO of Forces Reunited, said: “We donate to a number of different charities and we came into contact with the Veteran’s Foundation about a year ago. We saw what they do for people and felt it was a good cause to donate to.

"The foundation split the funds and donated money to three different charities.”

The recipients, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Forward Assist and Bravehound, all help veterans in their everyday life. Bravehound, based in Scotland, provides companion dogs to former soldiers; Forward Assist organises peer support groups for veterans; and Scotty’s Little Soldiers dedicates itself to supporting children who have lost a parent through armed service.

Major General David Shaw CBE MDA, CEO of The Veterans’ Foundation, said: “We are very grateful for this donation from Forces Reunited, all of which we have passed on to three charities who have applied for funds. The Veterans’ Foundation aims to help our armed forces’ veterans who are in need, raising funds through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations. Veterans deserve the country’s support, having put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf, and that support should reach them at whatever stage of life they and their dependants are.

“The charities that the Forces Reunited donation has been allocated to by the Veterans' Foundation will help make life better for children of veterans who have been orphaned from one or both parents, homeless veterans, including some who suffer mental illness, and a charity that provides veterans with companion dogs and help in training their own dogs.”

Andy Morris, 32, finance director for Forces Reunited, said: “With smaller charities you know where your money is going. This amount of money can make a big difference for these charities and the people they help.”