.: Afghan Heroes

http://www.afghanheroes.org.uk/homepage.asp

Fallen Soldiers' Mums Set Up Heroes Charity

3:00pm UK, Tuesday September 15, 2009, Katie Stallard, West of England correspondent
The mothers of seven soldiers killed within 24 hours of each other in Afghanistan have launched a new charity in their memory.
Afghan Heroes has been set up to support the families of the fallen and those on the front line who have witnessed the loss of comrades and friends.
The mothers met at RAF Lyneham waiting for their sons' bodies to return home.
Denise Harris, mother of Corporal Lee Scott, who was killed on foot patrol in Helmand province on July 10, told Sky News: "They were soldiers doing their job.
"We, the mothers, have a special bond as our boys came home together. The grief for our families and everyone who knew them has been too painful to bear.
"We feel that there is a need to provide support to all family members. Sadly, we are not alone."
Over 210 soldiers have now been killed in Afghanistan. Many more have returned home injured and there is a need, say these mothers, for a new charity specifically dedicated to the welfare of their friends and family.
Ms Harris said: "As far as we are aware this is the first charity specifically set up to support British troops in Afghanistan.
"We recognise the marvellous work of other charities, many of which have provided years of support for our military.
"But we believe there are now specific needs for the families of those who are serving in Afghanistan that need to be met.
"The level of that need has reached a place where action is needed now."
One of their first campaigns will be the Thank A Soldier initiative, where home comforts will be sent to the front line in care packages.
The aim is for a minimum of one parcel per tour to be sent to each of the 9,000 service personnel in Afghanistan on Armed Forces Day in June next year.
The charity will also create support groups and hold charity events for the families of the fallen so that they can come together and give each other mutual support.
These seven mothers of seven brothers-in-arms are determined that their loss should not have been in vain.
The soldiers whose sacrifice inspired the charity are Corporal Lee Scott, Rifleman William Aldridge, Rifleman James Backhouse, Private John Brackpool, Corporal Jonathan Horne, Rifleman Joseph Murphy and Rifleman Daniel Simpson.