Bourne Help for Heroes stalwart Adrian Pearson wins top award

A dedicated ex-soldier from Bourne has spoken of his immense pride after he’s been honoured by top military charity Help for Heroes.

Former front line serviceman Adrian Pearson, 46, said he was thrilled when he was one of just 25 volunteers presented with the prestigious award after being chosen from thousands of supporters all over the UK.

And to highlight his absolute commitment to the cause he was back out raising funds at Tesco in Bourne at 8am on Saturday morning - just three hours after driving home from the glittering ceremony in
London.

Ecstatic Adrian, who’s lived in Bourne for the last 10 years, said: “I am so proud to have been recognised by Help for Heroes.

“I have done my best to raise money for the charity helping to look after former servicemen and women for the last seven years.

“And now I’ve been motivated by this grand night in Moorgate Place in London to go out there and redouble my efforts.”

The former guardsman said he’s raked in about £16,500 for Help for Heroes by staging regular static display collections at shops like Tesco in Bourne, Asda in Grantham and Morrisons in Stamford.

“I’m hoping to get that up to £20,000 by the end of this year.

“I’m also aiming to expand our operation too and move into Morrisons as well,” said Adrian, who’s still being treated for devastating anxiety disorder PTSD 21 years after he left the army.

“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to the people of Bourne.

“They’ve been very generous digging deep to get behind us over the years - the public response has been magnificent.”

He joined the army as soon as he left school when he was just 16 years and seven days old - becoming the youngest soldier in the armed forces.

“It was my dream and I became an infantryman in The 2nd Battalion Scots Guards.”

But he was soon at the sharp end as he did four highly-dangerous tours of strife-torn Northern Ireland during The Troubles.

“They were very tough.

“I lost several good mates over there and I’ll never forget them,” said Adrian.

He was inspired to support Help for Heroes when Corporal Sarah Bryant tragically became the army’s first servicewoman to be killed in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2009.

“That really hit me.

“I took to the streets with my flute and bongos and raised £4,000 Busking for Heroes,” said Adrian.

“I’ve taken part in all sorts of events since then and lined up more next year.”