Worksop: Terrors witnessed by 92-year-old war veteran inspired him to get baking for national charity cake sale

Ken Beard, the oldest volunteer working for the charity, will be selling cakes at the Priory Shopping Centre in Worksop on Saturday 26th April.

A bomber command veteran, Mr Beard flew two operations aboard the Halifax on D-Day, 6th June 1944.

He was inspired to support Help for Heroes after his experiences during the war.

He said: “Being part of an aircrew, I saw how many people were shot down and lost limbs- I saw so much suffering and loss of life.”

“Our crew became very fond of another crew and then one night, that crew just didn’t come back.”

“I think Help for Heroes is marvellous. After the war, there was nothing like this for heroes. In a lot of cases, nobody wanted to know. Then people realised we owe these people something.”

Mr Beard first became known to Help for Heroes when he volunteered at their shops three or four times a week, talking to veterans much younger than himself about his experiences.

“I love speaking to veterans,” he said.

“I have always felt so thankful I survived all those operations.”

The event is just one of thousands of cake sales due to take place during the nationwide Colossal Cake Sale from 19th April to 5th May 2014.