WAR HORSE Hosts Charity Performance 11/11

A new charity, Families of the Fallen, has been set up to provide extra funding for the families and other dependants of members of the UK's armed forces who have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. It will be officially launched on November 11 at a special Remembrance Day performance of the acclaimed play War Horse, with the National Theatre generously donating all proceeds from sales of tickets made using the promotion code 3030. A special fund-raising reception after the show will hear from the play's author, Michael Morpurgo, and Sally Thorneloe, widow of Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who was killed by an explosion in Helmand Province.

The charity was conceived by ITN‘s former Editor-in-Chief and Chairman, Sir David Nicholas, and its Founders are drawn from the worlds of the military, business, music, television and theatre. It is chaired by the former newscaster Martyn Lewis, who said, "Whether you support the war or not, we believe that we all have a special duty of care to the families of those servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country - and they will be this charity's single focus."

Sir David said, "The Ministry of Defence and existing charities do as much as they can for the bereaved families, but, particularly in these difficult times, there is general agreement that it is not enough. Families of the Fallen aims to provide extra funding that will give dependants an additional layer of certainty and comfort as they try to rebuild their lives."

The charity, which is supported by the British Legion and ABF The Soldiers' Charity, amongst others, intends to raise money not only through an ongoing appeal for donations via its website, www.familiesofthefallen.org.uk, but also through a series of special concerts and other events, of which War Horse is the first. To save on administration, the funds will be distributed mainly through the individual regimental charities, which are particularly close to the needs of each family, and priority will be given to help with housing and the education of the children.

A limited number of tickets are available for this performance, and all tickets purchased with code '3030′ will go to Families of the Fallen.

Ticket Prices are £15, £25, £39.50, £49.50. Under-18yrs discount: £10 off top two standard prices.

To book, visit www.familiesofthefallen.org.uk or 020 7452 3000 (No booking fee. Monday-Saturday, 9.30am - 8.00pm). Please quote promotional code '3030′ when booking.

To purchase tickets for the special fundraising aftershow party, please contact Sallie Hendry - admin@familiesofthefallen.org.uk or call 020 7240 2594.

For further information on War Horse, visit http:/www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/warhorse.