Mark Wright Project - 'Nothing short of a tragedy if centre closes'

THERE are few more inspiring families than the Wrights. First there was Mark, who aged just 27 bravely gave his own life trying to save his paratrooper mates when they were under fire in Afghanistan.

Then his parents, Bob and Jem, showed a different kind of courage when they took it upon themselves to set up a trauma centre to help other war veterans in Mark's name.

As we reveal today, after helping 180 troubled people in just a year, the centre in Dalkeith is in danger of closing due to lack of funding. It will be nothing short of a tragedy if that is allowed to happen.

The Wrights haven't received a government penny for their work so far, relying instead on their own fundraising efforts and public donations to keep going.

It says everything about this stalwart pair that they are even considering selling Mark's medals to save the centre.

They are prepared to take that drastic step because they say there is already a problem with support for traumatised troops, and if the Mark Wright Project goes, that can only get worse here in the Lothians.

Just last week, the entirely separate Mark Wright House at the Erskine Home in Gilmerton had its funding secured with 5 million from the Royal British Legion.

The legion also gave its first Friends of the Forces Community Award to Bob and Jem last year, but they now need more practical help to keep their good work going.

Even in these tough times, the UK government should be the first to put up money to help the men and women sent to war for this country. And if they won't do it, then it falls to the rest of us to take on this duty. So please consider making a donation to support this fantastic facility.

But more importantly, please take a moment to fill out the form on page seven of today's newspaper and help us to show the Defence Secretary Liam Fox exactly how much the work of the Mark Wright Project is valued.

A beast afoot...

so it seems a big beast may be prowling the streets of Newhaven - and we don't mean local councillor Steve Cardownie.

The apparent sighting of giant paw prints have led to fevered speculation about a lynx or even a puma scouring near the harbour for food.

Let's hope this cat roams far and wide because when it comes to giving it a name the Leith Lynx or the Beast of Bonnington sound far better than the Newhaven nightcrawler.