Cash floods in for the troops

7:04am Sunday 27th April 2008

CARING residents in and around Bromsgrove are continuing to donate hundreds of pounds in cash to British forces in war worn areas.

Maria O'Ryan, whose son Philip Pimlott is serving in Basra, has taken on the role of area co-ordinator for the Support Our Soldiers Campaign.

“We send things they can’t get, such as crisps and sweets, along with items that they are paying over the odds for like shower gel and toothpaste.”

Maria O’Ryan, area co-ordinator for the Support Our Soldiers Campaign

The latest event was a 1940s party at Bromsgrove Rovers Victoria Club, which raised £517.57p.

Maria said: "People paid a £3 admission fee and brought a packet of Haribo sweets - something our troops can't get enough of.

"Our great raffle included donations from Bromsgrove Hotel, Chapters Hair and Cadbury World."

Support our Soldiers is a national campaign which aims to send welfare parcels to troops in war zones.

Maria said: "We send things they can't get, such as crisps and sweets, along with items that they are paying over the odds for like shower gel and toothpaste."

Organisers also collected Easter eggs from Bellfield Junior School, Lickey Junior School and Meadows First. And Rubery Ladies club has also taken on SOS as their charity for the year. Maria, who has immersed herself in the campaign ever since her son Philip went overseas, said: "I haven't heard from Philip as he seems to spend most of his time out in the desert with the Scots Guards. No news as they say is good news!"