Fighting chance for forces families as support group set up

FAMILIES of North Yorkshire troops serving on the front line are to be given more support after a national charity founded by a Bingley mother announced it was launching a new service in York.

Since Karen Webster helped set up Support Our Soldiers (SOS) in 2003 after her son was deployed to Iraq the organisation has provided support for members of the armed forces and their loved ones.

Now the charity is setting up a families support group, based in York but aiming to reach as many forces families as possible.

It is being run by local mother Rebecca Burns whose partner formerly served in the Yorkshire Regiment. She joined SOS when he was deployed to Iraq in 2006.

She said: “The aim of the group is to bring together extended members of the soldier’s family and help them through the difficult time they face when their loved one is serving overseas.

“We have chosen York as the location as we hope it will be within easy reach for a lot of families.”

Ms Webster started the charity in February 2003 when her son, serving with 12 Regt Royal Artillery, was deployed to Iraq.

She said: “Since that time SOS has gone from strength to strength and we’ve also evolved into a support site for families with wives, girlfriends, mums, dads, brothers, sisters and children of serving personnel all checking in.

“My son left the Army at the end of 2004 and I’m now a very proud granny, but my pledge to all serving personnel and to their families is to continue with Support Our Soldiers for just as long as is needed.”

The launch of the York group will take place on March 2 at 7.30pm at the Community Centre at Fulford Barracks. The session, expected to last an hour, is free. Sessions will then be held on the first Tuesday of every month.

For more details phone Ms Burns on 07756 892788 before 6pm or alternatively email rebecca@ supportoursoldiers.co.uk