AE Jolliffe and Son fundraises for Bournemouth veterans charity
In the 10 years since its inception, more than 400 veterans have been assisted by Above and Beyond
AE Jolliffe and Son has made a donation of £404.35 to the Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust, which was launched a decade ago to aid military veterans.
According to the charity, the local funeral home’s donation will go towards a new electric wheelchair.
Set up by the former town councillor Amedeo Angiolini, the charity has a base on the beach at Southbourne, as well as operations at Avon Heath Country Park and Upton Country Park.
In the 10 years since its inception, more than 400 veterans have been assisted by Above and Beyond.
Angiolini said: “When I was a town councillor, a veteran in his 20s was found dead in freezing weather in a local church doorway. He had difficulty reintegrating after a tour in Afghanistan. It prompted me to start the charity as a place where veterans could meet and we could offer help through water-sports activities and working in woodlands.
“The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the beach at Southbourne near Gordon’s ZigZag where we have a boat shed and provide hot drinks, food and therapeutic water-sports activities. Everyone is welcome. Many people go swimming throughout the year and we need a new electric wheelchair to help people gain access to the beach.”
He added: “We have plans to fund another building so we can widen our group to include the local community. We also help veterans at Avon Heath Country Park with woodland skills such as tree work, and at Upton Country Park where we have some bee hives. The donation is extremely generous and will be put to good use in helping veterans.”
Helen Deans, office administrator at AE Jolliffe and Son, said: “We became aware of the charity through someone in the town and it seemed a wonderful cause. And having met Amadeo and some of the veterans, it’s clear what a great service the charity offers.
“Our company fundraises for many charities and good causes and we’re so pleased to have been able to help the Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust.”
