Florists send treats to soldiers abroad

A PAIR of kind-hearted florists are celebrating today after successfully sending more than 3,000 goody boxes to brave troops in Afghanistan.

Sally Brame and Jayne Smith, of Cottage Garden Florists in Bramford Lane, began sending parcels containing various useful items to members of 2 Para in November 2007.

The boxes act as a morale booster to soldiers - and one even showed his appreciation by sending the pair his desert combat jacket and boots.

Meanwhile, an Evening Star reader whose son is fighting in Afghanistan was so impressed with the idea that she helped raise funds to buy goodies in Ipswich.

Mary Packham, from Stutton, gave up her own time to collect outside Sainsbury's in Warren Heath.

Mrs Brame said: “We sent Mary's son a few boxes so she helped us collect.

“She had previously read about what we were doing in the paper and thought it was nice.

“It was lovely for her to see the public's support for our troops.”

Mrs Brame said she was thrilled to receive a troop's jacket as a gift from a recipient of the boxes.

She added: “I had a soldier send me a jacket from Afghanistan in appreciation for what we are doing.

“It's very, very special.

“They deserve our help and we will continue to help for as long as they are out there.”

The boxes can contain anything from shower gel to boiled sweets - anyone who wants to donate some goodies can do so at the shop or by calling 01473 745250.

A charity dance will take place in aid of the appeal at the British Legion in Bramford on Saturday, starting at 8pm. For tickets, contact Cottage Garden Florists or drop in to the British Legion.

Is a relative or a loved one serving in Iraq or Afghanistan? Tell us their story - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk