The Royal Armouries pays tribute to the late Jimi Heselden OBE - Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley has paid tribute to Leeds’ businessman and philanthropist Jimi Heselden OBE who died at the weekend – describing him as a “true friend” to British soldiers overseas.
Lt Gen Riley, Director General and Master of the Armouries and himself a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, said,
“On behalf of everyone at the Royal Armouries I would like to pay our sincerest tributes to Jimi and to offer our thoughts and prayers to his family and close friends at this sad and difficult time.
Jimi was a great friend to British soldiers, both through his business enterprises and charity work with organisations such as Help for Heroes. Jimi was modest about his products’ effect on global defence, and fought shy of publicity, but it is true to say his ingenious investment has saved countless lives in every conflict since the first Gulf War.
Jimi was also great philanthropist and a major sponsor of the Royal Armouries Museum. His enthusiasm, generosity and great commitment will be greatly missed by everyone here.”
Mr Heselden’s company Hesco Bastion had recently sponsored The Observation Post in the Royal Armouries’ Museum in Leeds. The Observation Post features one of the latest modern defence systems, invented by Mr Heselden, known as Hesco Concertainers. These prefabricated systems allow troops to build a fortified position quickly, whatever the environment – and have been accredited with saving countless British lives.
…ENDS…
Media contact
Andrea Long
Head of Communications
Royal Armouries
Tel: 0113 220 1979
Notes to editors
- Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London, Fort Nelson and Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first British national museum to open a permanent presence in another country.
- Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley, Director General and Master of the Armouries, took up his appointment early in April 2009, after 36 years’ service in the Army, latterly as Deputy Commander of NATO ISAF in Afghanistan. Jonathon was Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers in Goražde, where he was awarded the DSO for bravery and distinguished conduct.
- The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds houses a major part of the national collection of arms and armour, and displays over 8,500 objects throughout its five themed galleries.
- Admission to the museum is free. However, there may be a small charge for some special events.
- Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-25 December
- Information Line: 0113 220 1999
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Download the PDF press release.