SOLDIERS returning from Afghanistan to the region may not be able to get financial help from the Army Benevolent Fund due to the high number of personnel who have been injured.

James Hore

SOLDIERS returning from Afghanistan to the region may not be able to get financial help from the Army Benevolent Fund due to the high number of personnel who have been injured.

The ABF, known as the soldiers' charity, revealed yesterday it will be “difficult” to meet the welfare needs of soldiers and their families in the future.

Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, who controls the fund, said: “The casualty figures from the Army's operations in Iraq and Afghanistan make for very sobering reading, with every week bringing news of further attacks on soldiers.

“We must prepare now to cope with the arrears of the future as well as the needs of today. Otherwise I'm very afraid we may not be able to help those who have served their country.

“My fear is that the continuing stream of casualties, from Afghanistan in particular, will place an even greater call on our war chest than I envisaged.

“There is the physical need we know about now, but there are also the mental scars that we do not yet know about and may not arise for some time.”

The fund provides vital financial help to the heartbroken families of those lost and the hundreds of soldiers who have suffered psychological and physical injuries whilst serving their country.

To combat the concern over meeting the future needs of soldiers, the ABF has re-launched a fundraising campaign this week in order to raise vital funds.

The Current Operations Fund was specifically set up for supporting injured solders and their families as a result of their service during the current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was established last year and it was through donations from the public that it was kick-started originally, with the fundraising campaign this year aimed at keeping the momentum going.

n Anyone wanting to donate to the Current Operations Fund to support the members of the Army family can go to www.armybenfund.org