THE mother of a toddler who is appealing for Christmas gifts for troops in Afghanistan has been overwhelmed by the response from the public.

THE mother of a toddler who is appealing for Christmas gifts for troops in Afghanistan has been overwhelmed by the response from the public.

Anja McAnespie, 37, has been flooded with more than 200 boxes for the servicemen who will spend the festive season fighting in the desert, after her son, Alfie, two, launched the campaign last month.

Mrs McAnespie, of Ward Close, Hadleigh, said: “The response has been absolutely crazy.

“The amount of presents and cards people have sent to our heroes has been fantastic.”

Young Alfie hopes to send some Christmas cheer to the troops, including his father, Lee McAnespie, a staff sergeant with 4 Regiment Army Air Corps based at Wattisham Airfield, who is currently serving in Afghanistan.

Mrs McAnespie has also received 75 advent calendars and countless sweets which, unfortunately, can't be sent overseas.

Instead, Alfie donated many of the chocolates to youngsters in Ipswich Hospital's children's ward and plans to donate the rest to servicemen at Headley Court rehabilitation centre in Surrey later this month.

“I wish I could thank people individually,” Mrs McAnespie said.

* Anyone who wants to donate an unwrapped Christmas box to troops can send them to Santa Alfie Mac, 50 Holly Road, Welfare House, 4 Reg Army Air Corps, Wattisham, IP7 7RL.