WHEN Private Johnson Beharry arrived at Headley Court, the armed services rehabilitation centre in Surrey, he was full of pain. “The pain in my shoulder, the pain in my back, the pain in my head.”

Beharry, who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour, after saving the lives of 30 comrades in Iraq, had almost been killed when a rocket propelled grenade exploded inches from him during an attack on his convoy.

Against the odds he survived and was brought to Headley Court to recuperate. There he found treatment for his injuries and a place of peace. “A little garden, surrounded by a high, carefully trimmed hedge, filled with roses.”

He often went to sit in that garden and there the pain began to ease and his strength return. The dedicated care he found at Headley Court has prompted Beharry to support the Help for Heroes campaign raising money for the centre. The campaign, supported by The Sunday Times, was launched to raise at least £5m to build a swimming pool and gymnasium.

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“It’s good, I hope they do raise the money, because we need these facilities when troops come back and they’re injured,” said Beharry last week. “They are doing a very good job at Headley, and the staff are really great.”

Beharry is also keen to raise awareness of the challenges faced by soldiers serving in war zones. “It’s basically about how hard the troops have to work and how difficult it is for them in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“I don’t think they are recognised enough for the job they do. I don’t think the government is doing enough.”

Cartoonist Bryn Parry, who served for 10 years in the Royal Green Jackets, set up Help For Heroes to enable the public to give direct support to those injured in battle. Jeremy Clarkson, the Sunday Times columnist, and his wife Francie are patrons of the charity.

So far, £196,670 has been raised of which £45,700 has come from Sunday Times readers in the past two weeks.

Parry held meetings last week with the Ministry of Defence and said he was delighted with the fast progress. “A number of companies have come forward to help with everything from bricks and mortar to project planning. The spirit of cooperation has been wonderful.”

Last week the MoD also announced a review of the compensation scheme for injured soldiers, which has been criticised for providing too little. The ministry is proposing to increase the sums, though with a limit of £285,000.

Beharry, who was injured in 2004 before the compensation scheme began, has received no payment. He is still recovering.

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