Soldiers send message of thanks

FRONT-LINE soldiers stationed in Afghanistan have written messages of thanks to the kind-hearted Rotherham folk who have sent them Christmas parcels.

The moving letters and e-mails were sent to Tracy Mounsey, who co-ordinates the Rotherham branch of the national charity Support Our Soldiers, which has received overwhelming support from the town ever since the Christmas parcel appeal was launched.

The first message was sent by e-mail from a Lance Corporal serving in the Helmand Province, who said: "I am writing to thank you for your kind thoughts and the support we have received from your organisation and the fantastic people of Dinnington.

"Times are hard out here, but receiving the support from the public back in the UK is a huge morale boost.

"On behalf of every British soldier serving in Afghanistan, I want you all to know that we cherish the support received by all associated to Support Our Soldiers."

A second letter of thanks was also sent by a soldier who spoke of the lack of facilities at his base.

He said: "The helicopter comes in once a week with supplies so when we get your parcels we appreciate them so much.

"I got some today and gave one to a girl which was a really pleasant moment for me, she has been here for two months and when I gave her the parcel her whole face lit up.

"The men and women here really appreciate what you are doing, without people like you, our job becomes a lot harder."

Launched last month, the Support Our Soldiers' shoebox appeal is aimed at sending festive-themed parcels to front-line troops on overseas operational tours in time for Christmas.

Tracy, who is co-ordinating Rotherham's appeal, became involved with the charity after gaining first-hand support in the run up to, and during the time that her 25-year-old son was deployed to Afghanistan.

Tracy, of Dinnington, said: "I have had huge support from SOS over the past eight months and wanted to give something back by becoming an area co-ordinator. 

"My son was a recipient of an SOS care parcel and told me that it felt great knowing that people at home cared and were thinking of them.

"My aim is to show our service personnel and their families that they are not alone and that we are their extended family.

"Thank you to everyone who has given help and support, without you and the kind people of Rotherham, this appeal would not be possible."

A number of drop-off points have been set up around Rotherham for parcels which will be collected and checked by Tracy before being sent to troops.

And with winter approaching, Tracy is encouraging people to donate warm clothing including fingerless gloves, beanie hats and small hot water bottles.

The charity is also on the lookout for an organisation to donate new T-shirts for injured soldiers receiving treatment at Camp Bastion Hospital.

The deadline to donate shoe boxes is Thursday, November 5.

For more information contact Tracy at rotherhamsupportoursoldiers.co.uk