Former British prime minister Tony Blair is to donate all the profits from his forthcoming memoirs to a new sports centre for injured troops, it was disclosed today.
A spokesman for Mr Blair confirmed he will hand over the reported £4.6 million advance he received for the book, A Journey, as well as any royalties.
The money will go towards the Royal British Legion's Battle Back Challenge Centre, which is due to open in summer 2012.
"Tony Blair decided on leaving office that he would donate the proceeds of his memoirs to a charity for the Armed Forces as a way of marking the enormous sacrifice they make for the security of our people and the world. The Royal British Legion is just such a cause," the spokesman said.
"In making this decision, Tony Blair recognises the courage and sacrifice the armed forces demonstrate day in, day out."
Mr Blair is a controversial figure for taking Britain to war in Afghanistan and Iraq - campaigns which have seen hundreds of troops killed and wounded. It is understood the money is being given with "no strings", such as a say on the name of the new centre.
Director-general of the Royal British Legion Chris Simpkins said it was"delighted to accept this very generous donation".
A spokesman for the Stop The War Coalition said Mr Blair's decision "is welcome if it means that some of those who have suffered as a direct consequence of his criminal wars will benefit."
Stop the War convener Lindsey German claimed the decision shows Mr Blair has a "guilty conscience" and that he is worried about the adverse publicity.
"It would have been much better for everyone if he hadn't taken us into these wars in the first place," she said. "Blair lied about the Iraq war, he refused to express any regret at the Chilcot inquiry and his attempt to save his conscience will be little comfort to those injured or who have lost their loved ones."
PA