A FORMER paratrooper who has raised thousands for charity through daring challenges has been selected to attend a royal event in recognition of his achievements.
In October, John Wilkins from Clevedon was given a Diamond Champion award by the older people’s charity, WRVS, to recognise his contribution to volunteering.
He was one of 10 to receive such awards in the South and South West region who will now travel to St James’ Palace on November 29 to meet The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
The 81-year-old received the Diamond Champion award for the huge effort he has made to raise money for charity, principally the Wallace and Gromit Appeal which supports Bristol Children’s Hospital and its special care baby unit.
Before he retired, John was a paratrooper with the Royal Signals.
Since then, through 11 years of volunteering, completing more than 35 skydives and inspiring more than 500 others to complete skydives, he has raised more than �200,000 for the appeal.
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