Ross Kemp has joined an emotional plea calling for ‘generational shift’ in veteran support.
The EastEnders legend, 62, has joined a team of people who have signed a petition calling for more support for the UK's veterans.
Help for Heroes has launched an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging the Government to deliver renewed support for the Armed Forces community.
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The letter, part of the charity’s People’s Promise to Veterans campaign, has been signed by public figures including broadcaster Lorraine Kelly, former Army chief Lord Richard Dannatt, Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton, SAS veteran and novelist Andy McNab CBE, writer Tom Newton Dunn, and columnist Jane Moore.
James Needham, CEO of Help for Heroes, said: "As a nation, we have made a promise through the Armed Forces Covenant, that no-one would be disadvantaged because they served our nation.
"Many veterans, particularly those injured while serving, are still denied the quality healthcare, financial security and support they need and deserve.
"We are failing to deliver on this promise."
The letter asks the Prime Minister to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and states that veteran care is a matter of national security.
Lorraine Kelly said: "Our Armed Forces make great sacrifices for our safety, and the least we can do to repay that debt is to ensure they don't have to fight for the support they need and deserve to live well after service.
"This is why I’m proud to back this open letter."
Help for Heroes reports a 30 per cent rise in demand for its services over the past year.
Members of the public, employers, MPs, and the wider Armed Forces community are being encouraged to sign the letter before it is presented to 10 Downing Street next month.
Help for Heroes was founded in 2007 to support veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with life-changing injuries and illnesses.