supertinks | help for heroes (Reply)

I've been off work today (ostensibly studying, but mostly watching tv, although I did go for a swim).

Jamie emailed me throughout the day, occasionally sending interesting links as he normally does. however today's links have really got me thinking about stuff.

most important was this link, to an article in the Times regarding Jeremy Clarkson and the active work he and his wife are doing for the charity Help for Heroes, of which they are patrons. In particular, I am incensed by the treatment of the injured soldiers they are talking about when they are doing their physio in the local swimming pool (being told by the locals that they don't deserve to be there, that they shouldnt be using the pool for free when they have to pay, that their horrific injuries are scaring the children using the pool etc), by the fact that because the soldiers are treated in a normal NHS hospital, their colleagues are not allowed to visit wearing their army uniforms in case it upsets Muslims in the hospital; you have no idea how angry this made me.

I then spent two hours watching an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where the team rebuilt the house of an American combat medic who had lost a leg in Iraq. They also sent him to a specialist centre that fitted him with a super-modern bionic leg, meaning he could walk unaided, and dance with his wife, for the first time since the accident.

So now I am very much in the mood to try and do something helpful and things. I had a look at the help for heroes website, and found the details for sending surprise packages to soldiers currently serving in Iraq and Afganistan. Details are here, Jamie and I have agreed to send a few Christmas packages to soldiers in both warzones, and I urge anyone who cares to do the same. its not much, but it will have a big impact on whoever receives those parcels.

Yes we might disagree with the reasons behind the war, but that doesnt alter the fact that these people are out there, putting their lives on the line, doing their jobs. They deserve our support and recognition of their courage and dedication. Send them a parcel, go on. Even if its just a few packs of sweets and a copy of FHM. It will make their lives just that little bit easier.