Karen soldiers on

10:34am Sunday 8th June 2008

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A Bingley mum took the plunge to raise money for British troops overseas, as part of the Support Our Soldiers Awareness Week.

Support Our Soldiers (SOS) founder Karen Webster undertook a one mile-sponsored swim at Bingley Baths as one of many events across the UK aimed at bringing people's attention to the work of the charity.

Mrs Webster, whose son, Nicky, served in the Desert Rats in Iraq, set up SOS in 2003 to encourage and provide support for troops.

She said: "The swim went well - I completed it in 42 minutes so I'm very pleased with that.

"It's a long time since I have done anything like that, but it all went well."

Mrs Webster, 46, said the awareness week was a chance for the charity's representatives across the UK to help raise its profile and raise funds for troops.

She said "This is the first time that we've undertaken anything of this kind, and we're delighted with the response. Events are taking place across the UK and it's encouraging to see the very positive change in people's attitudes towards members of our Armed Forces.

"Five years ago, when SOS was first set up, people were reluctant to become involved.

"People thought it would seem like supporting the war but now they are willing to show their support for the lads and lasses who have gone to these areas in the world, even if they are not behind the war itself.

"In view of the forthcoming deployments from the area, we also hope that those with family members serving will get in touch.

"Family support is a very important part of our work and we've first hand experience of knowing what it's like to have loved ones in conflict zones."

In addition to the swim, the SOS team, helped by members of Bingley ATC detachment, held a stall at Bingley market and a street collection on Saturday. The public could also write messages of goodwill and donate parcel fillers to be included in packages sent out to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mrs Webster, who has three children, said she hopes the week will raise about £10,000.

She said: "Part of the money will be spent on sending care out to soldiers abroad but ten per cent of all the funds raised this week will go to the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association.

"They look after people who have lost limbs and there are a great many that have lost limbs in the recent conflicts and they will require care for life.

"So we are hoping to make a permanent difference."

To donate or find out more about SOS go to supportoursoldiers.co.uk or e-mail karen@supportoursoldiers.co.uk.