Help for Heroes' new £23 million recovery centre in Plymouth has been opened by the Duke of York.

The royal was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open the facility yesterday (April 10th), and it will now be used to help and support wounded, injured and sick military personnel and their families.

A special opening ceremony was held at the Devonport naval base and a range of guests – including charity members, partners in industry and users – were on hand to mark the occasion.

The Naval Service Recovery Centre is the first such complex in the south-west and will be funded by Help for Heroes, while it will be run jointly with the Ministry of Defence.

Two buildings have been constructed on the site, Parker VC and Endeavour. While Parker VC will operate as an accommodation building to house the patients who check-in there, Endeavour will act as a specialist rehabilitation centre.

Endeavour includes a sprung-floor gymnasium, a special Support Hub to be used by the veterans, a six-lane swimming pool, eight medical consultation rooms and a multi-functional space featuring Cafe Hub.

Bryn Parry OBE, co-founder and chief executive officer of Help for Heroes, said: "The Naval Service Recovery Centre will play a vital role in providing long-term support for serving and veteran members of the armed services who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses.

"As a former serviceman himself, HRH the Duke of York is all too aware of the sacrifices that servicemen and women make on our behalf."

He went on to state that everyone who has done their bit to support Help for Heroes can be proud of the opening of the new recovery centre, whether they have bought one of the charity's wristbands or taken part in its Hero Ride.

Mr Parry noted the new facilities will inspire and support wounded service personnel and their families for life.ADNFCR-2867-ID-801712139-ADNFCR

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