A FORMER Army Officer from Ross-on-Wye has been invited to lead a 50-strong group from Help for Heroes when they march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Gemma Morgan will be joining 10,000 others from the veteran community at the Cenotaph Parade, in London, to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This will be the biggest group ever to represent the charity, including some of the UK’s most seriously wounded veterans to have survived their injuries.

Gemma joined the Army at the age of 22 and in 1998 was sent to Kosovo as part of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe mission, sent in to monitor compliance with the ceasefire.

She's now an Ambassador for Help for Heroes and campaigns on mental health issues. She said: "This will be my first time at the Cenotaph. To lead the Help for Heroes contingent at the Cenotaph parade is deeply humbling.

“I will remember those who gave so much, and those who continue to carry the wounds of service long after the conflict has ended.

"On the day, I'll feel a sense of pride to be representing Help for Heroes, as well as sadness and grief. Remembrance is a promise to not look away – but to bear witness to the sacrifice, loss and cost of our freedom today."

Rob Marston, service director for Help for Heroes added: “It's so important that we commemorate the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country - and at Help for Heroes we also remember those still fighting their own battles today.

“We remain at the side of veterans like Gemma and their families who are struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation, and more – providing life-changing support for as long as it takes.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever that the public makes a promise to stand alongside our veterans to ensure they get the support they deserve.”