Schoolchildren box clever for brave soldiers

Pupils at Malmesbury Park Primary in Charminster, Bournemouth, filled up 20 boxes with teabags, crisps, coffee, chewing gum, sweets, toothpaste and more.

Kevin Hale, whose Winton-raised brother Mark was killed in 2009, organised the donations through the trust set up in Mark’s memory.

“The children, surprisingly, know a lot about Afghanistan. I think the teachers have briefed them well,” said Kevin, from West Parley.

The parcels will be sent to at least four regiments, including 2 Rifles, Mark’s former unit, after soldiers replied to a Facebook message.

The conditions in the isolated forward bases are very basic, with rudimentary toilet and shower facilities, so little comforts are greatly appreciated.

Teacher Emma Stewart said: “We talk to the children – we don’t get into the political side, it’s more about empathy.

“It’s thinking about people away from home at Christmas, and bravery.”

The parcel packers were from the school council. Beste Bektas, 10, said: “It’s hard for the soldiers and their families because they get injured.”

Kevin will be joined by several teachers from the school when he climbs Mount Kilimanjaro next spring, and the return date will coincide with Mark’s birthday on April 9.

He raises money for The Undentable Trust, the charity set up in Mark’s memory.

n And the Queen’s Hotel and Spa hosted a concert on behalf of a charity.

The concert, which was held for CLIC Sargent, was performed by the Newquay Male Voice Choir, who were staying at the hotel on the Bournemouth stop of their annual tour.

Chantelle Hornsby, community fund-raising manager for CLIC Sargent, said: “The event was a great success and the choir were fantastic.”

She added: “A big thank-you to the Queen’s Hotel and Spa for all their continued support, the choir for offering their services and to Julie Dugan, who organised and promoted the concert.”

In total, the amount of money from the concert, which was held on Sunday, November 13, raised was £620.