It started as a madcap but heartfelt idea on my part eight months ago to organise a game of rugby and raise money to assist in the care of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will culminate in today's Help for Heroes Challenge match at Twickenham that has guaranteed in excess of £1million, which will go towards the provision of much-needed facilities at Headley Court, near Leatherhead, Surrey, where our often grievously injured servicemen and women are cared for and rehabilitated.

It became a crusade - the more people said that it was a good thought but could not be done, the more determined I became. There were moments of doubt, but after a month or so of going around in circles, I enlisted the support of Simon Halliday, the former England player, who brought in Adam Cocks, a trooper with the Honourable Artillery Company who had been blown up in Afghanistan and lost a close friend. The RFU, to whom we owe a huge debt of thanks for making the event happen, put its mighty machine at our disposal and with a committee chaired by Judge Jeff Blackett, the Advocate-General, we were off and running.

It has taken hard work on the part of many people to get to where we are, an event that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend. It has been a sometimes frustrating, but entirely inspiring experience tapping into the good nature and commitment of so many individuals, from the players led by Lawrence Dallaglio and Scott Gibbs, the captains, to a small army of helpers who have given selflessly of their time. High-profile sponsors such as Lord Ashcroft, Investec and Nintendo have backed the cause.

Most uplifting of all has been the opportunity to meet the young servicemen, many of whom have lost limbs in roadside explosions. Their demeanour in the face of such adversity, their determination to live as full lives as possible, reflects so positively on them as individuals. Derek Derenalagi is one such man. The Fijian almost died last year, having had his legs sheared off at the knee. His goal is to compete in the Paralympic Games in London in 2012.

What has helped them in coming to terms with their fate is the knowledge that people have shown that they care and have pride in the Services and a sense of patriotism. The silent majority have been given a voice by charities such as Help for Heroes, founded by Bryn Parry and Emma, his wife, ten months ago with a sponsored bike ride. It has caught the national mood. More than £8million has been raised.

Captain Robert Sugden, of the Coldstream Guards, who is playing this afternoon, said: “It is an incredible lift and incredibly special for troops over in these places to know that people are rooting for them and really care for them, not only now but also care about what happens to them afterwards.

“I feel that patriotism ought to be celebrated and encouraged because it is what binds a nation together. I believe patriotism should involve a desire to serve, as well as loyalty to our Queen. I feel privileged to be part of such an illustrious nation and to be part of its Armed Forces.”

Twenty international players from six countries are taking part today, although Jonah Lomu has had to withdraw with a foot injury. Michael Stephenson, of Bath and England, has been drafted in. The best players in the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have been included, as have several of England's future stars, such as Joe Simpson, of London Wasps, the scrum half. A crowd of more than 50,000 is expected.

Jason Robinson answered the call last weekend. “Looking around, you can see that spark of excitement back in the eye of some of the older guys,” he said. “I'll have to make sure these feet are still dancing.”

Dallaglio, who has done so much to promote the match, deserves the last word. “This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a legacy for the people who are the real heroes,” he said. “This is our chance to show them how much what they do means to us.”

Tickets are available today at Twickenham priced from £20 for adults and £10 for children. A family ticket for four costs £50.