A fund to help an ailing Special Air Service hero pay his care home fees has shot past $1,63,372.93 (£55,000) — thanks to UK newspaper, The Sun readers.
Friends of 81-year-old Sekonaia “Tak” Takavesi launched the appeal as his military pension and contributions from family and local authority do not cover the cost.
Takavesi was one of 20 troopers who stormed the Iranian embassy in London in 1980 to end a six-day siege — rescuing all but one of 19 hostages.
He won a bravery medal in Oman in 1972, served in the Falklands and, aged 58, killed an insurgent in hand-to-hand combat in 2003’s Iraq War despite having been shot in the head.
Fiji-born Takavesi has dementia and was moved into a specialist home in Hereford in April.
He says he is so grateful to Sun readers for digging deep and helping him.
Ex-comrade Major Matt Hellyer, who started the fundraiser, says it is clear people want heroes like Takavesi to be looked after properly.
Takavesi’s wife, Mandy, says the cash will help cover several years of fees.
She aims to meet Minister Alistair Carns to discuss long-term care provisions for veterans.
The UK Ministry of Defence says its Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme provide financial aid to serving personnel and veterans who have injuries or illnesses caused by service.
[Source: The Sun]
