Big Lottery Fund

Summary of the programme

The Big Lottery Fund has extended its Heroes Return 2 programme for those veterans who have so far been unable to undertake a commemorative visit.

So that as many veterans as possible get this opportunity, we can only fund one visit for each veteran, widow or widower. This means that if a veteran has already received funding for a commemorative visit since April 2009, we would not be able to fund a second visit.

This will ensure World War 2 veterans from the UK, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland who are yet to take advantage of the funding, will have more time to apply for grants to cover travel and accommodation expenses and enables them to make trips back to places across the world where they served. They can also receive funding to take part in an official commemoration in the UK.

Also watch Keith Quilter recalling the low level raid on a Japanese aerodrome in which his best friend, flying alongside him, was killed.

In the following podcast we hear from two World War II veterans who have received funding from the Big Lottery Fund. BIG’s Chief Executive Peter Wanless talks about what Heroes Return means to him and the Big Lottery Fund.

Download the podcast transcript Read the transcript from the Heroes Return podcast of Doug Mayman and Ted Hedges. - 21KB

If you can't see the podcast above, download a copy here

Since 2004 over 50,000 people have made commemorative trips with funding from BIG’s Heroes Return schemes with grants totalling over £24 million.

What to do next

• Questions about Heroes Return? Find out more
• Learn if you are eligible to apply for Heroes Return

Contact

If you have any questions about the scheme and whether you are eligible, ring the application helpline on 0845 0000 121 or email us at general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk