Appeal to give our soldiers a little festive cheer

11:34am Wednesday 24th October 2007

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A CHARITY is hoping to bring a little festive cheer to Lancashire soldiers who will be in Iraq this Christmas.

Support Our Soldiers, the national charity set up to support members of the armed forces serving abroad, has launched its Christmas parcel appeal.

It comes as soldiers the county prepare to fly out for the latest peacekeeping mission in Basra next month.

The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment has confirmed that troops from Blackburn, Darwen and Burnley will be away based at Basra airfield as the Army prepare to hand over security for the southern city to homegrown forces.

The internet-based charity -www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk - has been sending parcels since 2003 to members of the armed forces serving overseas.

Last year the campaign despatched nearly 2,500 parcels and it is asking Lancashire Telegraph readers to send shoeboxes filled with items like toiletries, magazines and food, to make life in the war zone a little more tolerable.

Agnes Hunter, who set up the charity, said: "The parcels represent the support and good wishes of the public, and show our brave soldiers that we are thinking about them."

Forces sweetheart Nell McAndrew is to attend the official launch of the organisation being granted charity status at ceremony held at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas on October 27.

The campaign has won support from the mum of Blackburn soldier Steven Dickinson, 29, who set off for a six-month tour of Afghanistan last week.

Lynn, 48, from Shadsworth, is now calling for the people of East Lancashire to support the soldiers at a time when they will especially miss their friends and families. She said: "There's been a lot of press about the lack of repsect for soldiers, but they are putting their lives on the line for the country.

"They're away from home at Christmas and some of them won't even get a card. We need to show our respect and give our lads the Christmas present they deserve."

Kevin Hegarty, a spokesman for the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, said: "Anything that shows people support our soldiers is welcomed by the Army.

"By Christmas the first Battalian of the Duke of Lancaster Regiment will be in Iraq. With its strong connections to Lancashire, including lots of soldiers from East Lancashire who will be out in Iraq, I'm sure they will welcome a little meassge from home."

People can help by making a cash donation, making up their own parcels or helping with packing and wrapping.

Every £5 donation covers a standard parcel made up of a: Santa hat, selection box, Xmas cake, nuts, crisps/snacks, raisins, candy cane, lolly, packet shortbread or biscuits, coffee or chocolate sachet, small jar jam or marmalade, packet of chewing gum, socks, toiletry items, tissues, book, note pad, pen, balloon, individual present and greeting card.

Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Support Our Soldiers and sent to: SOS Xmas Parcel Appeal, PO Box 70, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 1YE.

The closing date is Nov. 30.