In the run-up to Christmas I was privileged to support the call by the Support our Soldiers campaign to send parcels to our soldiers serving abroad at a time when most families come together.
My office took in some gifts and my staff members pitched into the effort. In the end 1400 Christmas Care parcels were sent from the North East to soldiers in Afghanistan and fifty went to the Falkland Islands.
The organiser, Mark Hall rightly says that the boost to morale that these parcels bring to our servicemen and women helps to keep their spirits up at a very difficult time for them.
Their receiving items we take for granted here but which are in very short supply in Afghanistan reminds them that they have not been forgotten by the public back at home.
But don't just take Mark's word for it. He has passed me a very moving e mail from a Captain currently serving in Kabul.
The Captain says,
"We fully appreciate that these parcels do not arrive in Afghanistan without a significant amount of effort and personal commitment. It is very humbling to know that there are people back home who are prepared to go to such lengths simply to show support to those of us serving in Afghanistan and other theatres of operations across the world. It is very easy to become focused on our own issues out here and it helps enormously to stop once in a while and understand that there are people back home thinking of us too."
A job well done to Mark and his team. I salute them. It is right and proper that such efforts help remind people that our security isn't taken for granted and that those who are in the front-line are at the front of our minds.
And a big thanks to all readers who responded to my column in this paper and sent in gifts and to Asda for generously letting us use their facilities. I shall keep you posted of future events and this year's parcel appeal.
Further information about Support Our Soldiers is available by e mail at newcastle@supportoursoldiers.co.uk or on its website at www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |