Lorraine with Father Christmas Photo: MoD
Vigilance can report that Journalist and broadcaster Lorraine Kelly was last week joined by Father Christmas, Service personnel and soldiers from Britain’s oldest Army Regiment to launch the charity uk4u Thanks! Christmas Box campaign from the historic headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of the City of London.
According to an MoD source the charity is sending more than 18,500 Christmas Boxes full of festive cheer to Servicemen and women right across the world who are hard at work away from their loved ones. This includes personnel on the recently deployed HMS Illustrious, assisting with the humanitarian effort in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, and those serving in Afghanistan. The charity will also be sending boxes to those personnel recovering in hospitals over the festive period.
Lorraine led the 15-strong colourful Company of Pikemen & Musketeers, complete with a Drumbeater and a Fifer, from Bunhilll Row onto the parade ground in front of Armoury House, the historic home to the Regiment founded by Henry VIII.
The ceremonial parade of the Pikemen & Musketeers, who were dressed in their scarlet and buff uniforms of the 17th century, included a presentation of arms and impressive drum roll to welcome not only personnel from all three of the Services, but uk4u Thanks’ very own Father Christmas, all carrying this year’s Christmas box.
Lorraine Kelly said: “It was brilliant to take the salute with the dashing Pikemen and Musketeers today, and I’m honoured once again to give my support to the uk4u Thanks! Christmas Box appeal. The charity does a great job in making sure all our Servicemen and women away from home and their families receive a wonderful box of goodies on Christmas Day”
Defence Minister Anna Soubry said: “This Christmas, as we enjoy a special time of year with our close friends and family, it is important to remember the thousands of Armed Forces personnel deployed around the world working tirelessly on operations away from their loved ones. I am delighted to support the great work of uk4u Thanks! A donation to the charity by members of the public helps to ensure a ‘present on behalf of the nation’ to those deployed Servicemen and women, instead of sending a “goodwill package” this Christmas, which can delay that all-important personal mail.”
Reverend (Flight Lieutenant) Paul Collins RAF said: “Christmas is a difficult time for people to be away from their loved ones. Having spent Christmas last year in Afghanistan, where I helped to distribute the boxes to deployed personnel, I witnessed first hand how they lift morale and are eagerly looked forward to. Mail from family is so important at Christmas, but the uk4u boxes reminds our military that their service is appreciated and sacrifice is not forgotten by the people back at home.“
uk4u Thanks! Director and Trustee Sally Little said: “We’re delighted that Lorraine Kelly is once again lending us her fantastic support for the launch of our Christmas Box campaign. The boxes are a great way for all of us to say thank you to our Servicemen and Servicewomen deployed over Christmas, bringing them some festive cheer when they really need it. I know from the feedback we receive each year that they are a real boost to morale at this special time and we would like to thank our sponsors and supporters without whom, we could not send these boxes”