To help them on their return from conflict, a Barnham resident wants to give something back by starting up a branch of the nationwide charity Help For Heroes.

Help for Heroes is raising money to update facilities at the Defence Services Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court near Epsom, Surrey.

Malcom Vaughan (70), who completed two years' national service in the 1950s, saw the start of the campaign in a national newspaper while on holiday.

"I think we have lost touch with the fact that thousands of men and women are putting their lives on the line – I think we all share the responsibility," he said.

Between £5m and £8m is needed to build a gym and swimming pool complex at Headley Court.

At present Servicemen and women are taken by minibus to the public pool in Leatherhead and use an outdated gym on the site.

Mr Vaughan added: "I think it is terribly important to make these young people feel that what they have suffered has been appreciated and to get their lives back on track.

"I know if it was me coming back from a conflict and I was confronted with a newly-installed facility and heard it was the result of fundraising within the community, that would make me feel extremely grateful, pleased and very proud.

"It is important to make sure these young men and women get the best-possible treatment medically and mentally both for them and for their loved ones."

Mr Vaughan has been doing his bit by drumming up support at clubs and societies and with the public at large.

Although it is still early days for the Chichester area branch, feedback has been encouraging.

Mr Vaughan has his own experience of being part of a family involved in war as his father, Eric, was in the RAF from 1930 until 1945, when he was disabled with stomach ulcers.

Two years after leaving, he had an operation which removed half his stomach and meant he could never sit down for a meal.

The chief national fundraiser for the charity is Roger Morgan-Grenville from Tillington, near Petworth.

He said: "It is going very well. We are close to the £2m mark which is 25 per cent of our target. After just ten weeks we are delighted about that.

"Not many charities have had such a quick start like that.

"It is something that has really lit the population's imagination. Why should people go without when they have given up their lives and health to serve their country?"

The charity was set up by cartoonist Bryn Parry, and his family and friends.

The news of raising money through a sponsored bike ride flew along the grapevine and, not long after, Help for Heroes became a registered charity.

The chosen project came about after contact was made with head of the army, Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, who said what was needed most for wounded Servicemen and women was an upgrade of facilities at Headley Court.

For more information on how you can help Mr Vaughan with a local event call 01243 554442.

Alternatively visit the Help for Heroes website, www.helpforheroes.org.uk or call the team of volunteers on 0845 6731760.