Help for Heroes founders Bryn and Emma Parry were joined by their daughter Louisa when they led by example by taking part in a desert trek.

The couple, who started the charity five years ago, when they decided to take part in a cycle ride, were back on the fundraising path with 50 other volunteers when they took part in the second Sahara Trek.

They all tackled the world’s largest hot desert between October 15 and 24, walking an incredible 100km through stony flat expanses in Morocco to the top of Chgaga, the largest sand dunes in the region.

A spokesman for the charity said: “The group has been spectacular and raised a fantastic amount so far. Everyone at Help for Heroes would like to thank them hugely and say a well deserved congratulations on completing the trek.”

n Help for Heroes coffers have also been boosted by Cynthia Gianella, who was reunited with members of her family through the pages of the Gazette and Herald, and has shown her gratitude by making a donation to our appeal.

Mrs Gianella, who lives in Ashford in Kent, was taken into care as a small child after her mother walked out on her and her siblings. After contacting the paper, an article appeared and Mrs Gianella was contacted by her cousin, Ivan Nicholas, and a reunion was arranged.

Mrs Gianella wrote: “I would like to thank you for the delightful article you undertook to write about myself and my sisters looking for our mother’s family.”

She enclosed a cheque for £30 for Help for Heroes.