Union Jack JCB raises £70,000 for Help for Heroes

A UNIQUE excavator manufactured by JCB has raised more than £70,000 at a charity auction.

The backhoe machine, resplendent in Union Jack livery, was snapped up by an Ipswich-based plant hire firm in the online auction, organised by JCB in support of Help for Heroes, the British charity that supports servicemen and women wounded in conflicts around the world.

Fork Rent paid out £70,250 for the machine – a 3CX Eco backhoe loader – which was painted in red, white and blue rather than the customary yellow to mark the launch of the firm’s new Eco range.

The machine was paraded through the streets of London and photographed at various city landmarks as part of the publicity campaign.

Fork Rent’s Managing Director, Guy Nicholls said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Fork Rent has secured the Union Jack 3CX Eco Backhoe Loader. It’s such a distinctive machine and very fitting that JCB auctioned it to raise money for Help for Heroes.”

Yvette Henshall-Bell, UK and Ireland Sales Director at JCB said:  “It was clear from the bidding that Fork Rent was keen to have the Union Jack 3CX Eco backhoe loader. I know they will be really pleased.”

Bryn Parry, chief executive and co-founder, Help for Heroes, said the money raised would provide much needed funds to help wounded service personnel.

A group of wounded soldiers joined teams from JCB and Help for Heroes, and over 100 representatives from the British construction industry, for the official launch of the auction on London’s South Bank.

A festive-themed 200ft barge was moored on the Thames, hosting two giant Christmas trees and a line up of JCB diggers, including the Union Jack JCB 3CX Eco Backhoe Loader.