Appeal to support the Army Benevolent Fund made to Halton residents (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Appeal to support the Army Benevolent Fund made to Halton residents

6:20pm Sunday 18th October 2009

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SOLDIERS critically injured by roadside bombs in Afghanistan urgently need help, a charity claims.

The Army Benevolent Fund, which supports serving soldiers, veterans and their families has been overwhelmed with a 20 per cent rise in appeals for assistance.

Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, the charity’s controller, said: “We are now seeing requests for assistance with mobility from young men injured by roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan and Iraq, something which will only continue to increase as the effects of the fighting are felt by a greater number of people.

“So much is asked of our young soldiers these days, they will often do twice the work of those in other professions.

“They have seen more suffering and death in their short lifetime than most of us will ever see and have to leave their family and friends for months on end, facing dangers most of us can only imagine.

“It’s our job to ensure that soldiers get the help they need but we need the public’s help to do that.”

Soldiers from Runcorn and Widnes are currently serving in Afghanistan.

Sgt Graham Hesketh, a dad-of-two, aged 35, of Keepers Walk, Castlefields, Runcorn was killed in a roadside explosion in Iraq.

He died after a blast ripped through his warrior tank on December 28, 2006, only weeks after starting his tour of duty with the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Trooper Stephen Shine was injured in Iraq in 2007 when the tank he was driving was hit by a roadside bomb.

His left leg was blown off in the blast and he lost a large amount of muscle in his right calf.

He said: “The biggest problem I had was that I was unable to use the shower and had to strip wash.

“The Army Benevolent Fund gave me a grant so that we could build an easy access shower.

“It sounds like such a little thing but it really helps.”

Service men and women coming back with serious injuries need more than just material help.

Steve Gill lost both his legs and an eye on a patrol in Northern Ireland when he was aged only 21.

He now drives an adapted car, walks with the help of crutches and takes part in disabled sports, something the fund was delighted to help with.

Visit www.armybenfund.org if you wish to support the appeal.

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