Party celebrates Ian's charity role

Ian (seated) is pictured with his wife Beverley, son James and his wife, daughter Krysta and her husband and grandchildren. (Wallace Ferrier)

A party was held in Arbroath British Legion recently to mark the success of local charity stalwart Ian Wren.

The celebration attended by family and friends was also arranged to celebrate his 66th birthday but also doubled up as a ‘thank you’ from veterans’ charity Horseback UK, from which Ian is retiring after being its local fundraiser for the last 13 years.

The Aberdeenshire-based organisation helps wounded servicemen who have lost limbs in various conflicts and giving them more freedom through riding horses.

Ian has raised thousands of pounds for the charity, and even went on television game show Holding Out For A Hero, winning £98,000.

The military charity was always close to Ian’s heart, as he served with 16 Light Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery and latterly with 212 Highland Battery, and many of his former comrades attended his party, one of whom travelled all the way from Dover.

Jock Hutchison, Horseback UK co-founder, also attended and thanked Ian for his service with the charity.

He may have retired from his role with the charity, but show no signs of slowing down as he has become a fundraiser for the Arbroath mental health charity Reach Across and is also a Co-op members pioneer.