North Staffordshire billionaire John Caudwell visited the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre in Hassell Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, last week.

Last year Mr Caudwell helped save the charity being kicked out of their headquarters by Staffordshire County Council.

He spent the morning meeting with the team there and talking with the veterans to congratulate them on their fundraising efforts, which were match funded by the billionaire, which means the charity has been able to purchase the building.

Speaking about how he first got involved in the charity, John said: "I got involved with the veterans centre when I was at the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial, and I met Kathy Munslow, and then sometime later Geoff Harriman. Kathy was the dynamic force that got my attention, and she explained to me the desperate situation the centre faced with the threat of closure."

Tri Services & Veterans provides a range of health, wellbeing and social activities for veterans (Google).

During the visit the businessman announced that the next £60,000 that the veterans charity raises will be matched funded. This is on top of donations that the tycoon has given to the charity.

The charity provides a range of health, wellbeing and social activities for veterans and since opening its doors in 2015 has seen a footfall of 20,000 people. Now thanks to donations, volunteers have been able to save the charity headquarters from closure and secured the work of the charity for veterans in the long term.

Speaking to charity staff and veterans, he said: "Thanks to the work of everyone at the centre, you raised such a lot of money that I'm pleased to say it's cost me quite a bit with my offer to match fund your efforts. What I am saying now is that with the next £60,000 that you raise, I will match fund that as well, and so I believe the future of the centre is now well and truly protected."

Mr Caudwell has pledged to match donations up to £60k (Wiki Commons).

"I always believe in self help and so I don't just dole money out to good causes, I like to encourage extra impact. Match funding is a great message for you to take to the community, because when you are asking for donations you're able to say it's being doubled by me.

The centre is well and truly protected, you own it, it's protected, you've made it nicer and much more attractive, solid and sound for the future. We've got this next round of fundraising to do now which I'll match fund up to £60k but it won't be the end."

Speaking on the impact of having the backing and support of John Caudwell, Geoff Harriman said: "It's a massive impact, it's an additional comfort blanket, not only do we have the additional funds there anyway but we can keep moving forward and do what we do and improve on the services and make the building more welcoming; more friendly, not that is not already friendly but just improves things."

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