5:56pm Wednesday 23rd December 2009
By Marc Meneaud
A Bingley mum and her army of volunteers have sent 12,000 parcels of festive cheer to soldiers serving in war zones across the globe.
This year’s Support Our Soldiers (SOS) Christmas Appeal has seen thousands of well-wishers donate seasonal gifts as a morale boost for those serving away from home. They have now reached serving men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Falklands, Kosovo, Bosnia and on Royal Navy ships.
The charity’s founder Karen Webster, said this year’s response had been “absolutely fantastic”.
Mrs Webster, of Bingley, wrapped all the parcels from West Yorkshire with help of Bingley Detachment Army Cadets and other volunteers.
Mother-of-three Mrs Webster, whose son is a former Desert Rat and served in Iraq in 2003, said it had been heart-warming to receive letters of thanks from soldiers.
Mrs Webster also received the royal seal of approval when she met Princes William and Harry at a national awards ceremony.
She was invited by the Royal Mail to the ceremony at the Imperial War Museum in London on Tuesday, on recognition of her charity work.
She said: “Prince Harry has received a gift from SOS when he was serving in Afghanistan and he and Prince William wore wrist bands promoting the charity. When I met them at the ceremony they were both just lovely. I got a big hug off both of them!”
Mrs Webster hopes, people across the country will join in the Candle of Hope appeal by lighting a candle at 2pm on Christmas Day to think of those away from home.
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