Territorial Army sell trees to raise cash for Help for Heroes

Dec 18 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

DURING the stress of December most of us forget that Christmas is supposed to be the season of giving. Well not these boys.

For Staff Sergeant Kevin Storrie and Corporal James Hunter of the Territorial Army are raising cash for the troops and bringing a bit of festive cheer into the bargain.

The pair are on the front line selling Christmas trees as part of the Ayrshire branch’s bid to lend their support to service men and women in need.

Commanding officer, Captain Graham Reith explained: “The TA have been out in the community over the last two weeks raising money but these guys decided off their own back to raise even more.”

And so far their efforts – which are completely voluntary – are proving to be a big hit with the Ayrshire public, who have gone in their droves to the stall in Ayr Racecourse car park to snap up the trees.

Staff sergeant Storrie explained: “It was a very last minute idea but the support in Ayrshire has been outstanding. No matter what people’s views are on the war, everyone is completely behind the troops.”

And he revealed that 25 per cent of soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan are TA but are simply expected to resume their regular lives after witnessing carnage in the war zone.

He added: “So Combat Stress, which works out of Hollybush House, Ayr, is so important to our soldiers.

“If we can't support something so necessary that's on our door step then who can.”

The Ayrshire troops have so far raised over £10,000, which will be split between Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, Army Benevolent Fund and Erskine Hospital.

And their hard work doesn’t end there for they have also sent a staggering 465 packages, which include a small gift, Christmas pudding and a Christmas hat, to troops in Afghanistan for Christmas.

The TA will continue to sell trees at the racecourse between 9am and 5pm until Sunday, December 20.

Go on, get behind our troops.