WATTISHAM mums are fundraising for children's play equipment while their loved-ones are in the Gulf.The mum's have taken the project on board while Captain Mike Peters, chairman of the Wattisham Play Committee, is serving in Iraq.

WATTISHAM mums are fundraising for children's play equipment while their loved-ones are in the Gulf.

The mum's have taken the project on board while Captain Mike Peters, chairman of the Wattisham Play Committee, is serving in Iraq.

The charity is hoping for a £5,000 cash boost to build a £20,000 children's park for the over 5's who have to cross a busy road to play.

Mum-of-two Michelle Lovelock, 31, secretary of the committee, said: "With all the husbands away in the Gulf war fighting, and with the summer holidays looming, we are desperate to complete the project and relieve the stress and pressure unduly placed on all remaining families.

"About 90 per cent of the husbands are away at the moment and it would be great to have the money by the time they come home."

She said the committee has exhausted all 256 families and residents, including local businesses, raising £15,000 so far and is at a loss of where to turn.

Captain Peters is even fund-raising in the Gulf by charging troops $1 towards the play park for those wanting to get weighed.

They are appealing for donations to help complete to project so the child have a play park at what they described as a "very trying time for our families."

The new play park will include swings, a basketball and football nets, obstacles and a climbing frame.

If you can help in any way via donations or materials please contact Michelle on 01449 – 728281, or make cheques payable to Wattisham Play Park, and send them to 3 Regt ACC, Families Office, 2 Valley Road, Wattisham Airfield, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 7RE.