A MAN who made it his mission to help military veterans throughout the UK is among the first of the nominees in the 2021 Dorset Hero Awards.

Dave Wood set up Helping Homeless Veterans UK, a non-profit organisation with a goal to housing homeless veterans. The organisation was set up just months before the coronavirus pandemic began and has managed to rehome more than 100 veterans who were previously sleeping rough on the streets, with no start up funds.

Dave, from Poole, has put his own money into the cause at a time when fundraising dried up as a result of the pandemic.

Maria Richardson was one of two people to nominate Dave.

She said: "He has chased down the councils who in the past have not known or used the military covenant before.

"He spends his own money at times when the fund raising had dried up because of Covid as he will not leave any soldier or veteran to sleep on the street.

"He also has a team of volunteers who also deal with financial, mental health and ongoing issues the guys normally have when they find themselves in that situation."

Helping Homeless Veterans UK was originally registered as a Community Interest Company, but Dave is now waiting for charity status.

Dorset Echo: A Tesco worker presenting David with a cheque for £300A Tesco worker presenting David with a cheque for £300

It is a not-for-profit organisation that relies solely on donations from the general public as well as grants from companies and organisations. 100 per cent of all donations made are spent on helping veterans and the organisation has no overheads or operational expenditures.

The Dorset Echo along with its sister Newsquest titles in the region are looking for those people in the county who deserve our thanks and recognition for all that they have done during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And anyone who nominates their “hero” stands the chance of winning a £100 shopping voucher prize.

Dave is nominated for the Unsung Hero Award.

His cause has backing from around the country. Elizabeth Jones, another nominator, said she was one of a group of 11 supporters who have been walking to raise funds for Dave’s charity. She said they are doing a 1,038 mile 'virtual coastline walk' in a bid to support the work he does.

There are a total of ten awards, divided into three categories; Medical Heroes, Emergency Heroes and Everyday Heroes.

For details on how to nominate, visit www.dorsetecho.co.uk/awards/dorsetheroawards2021/