Shoebox gifts a perfect fit to lift spirits

Kind-hearted Oldham pensioners have sent home comforts to British troops in Afghanistan.

The residents of St Mary’s Court sheltered housing scheme gathered up enough toiletries, sweets, books, pens, writing paper and envelopes to fill 15 shoeboxes. They will now be sent to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

The idea was first suggested by resident Winnie Morrow (60) who quickly found she had around a dozen other friends at the scheme wanting to help.

Sgt Steve Alexander, from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, visited the scheme to personally thank the residents for their generous efforts.

He said: “For soldiers serving abroad, especially people without families at home, this kind of gesture means a lot and really keeps your spirits up.

“The support from people in the UK has been incredible and very touching. In fact the Army has been so overwhelmed by such generous acts that we currently have quite a backlog of parcels waiting to be sent out to the troops.

“Rest assured though, they will all get there in due course and will be very much appreciated.

“In the meantime, we are asking people who want to show their support to contact one of the military charities such as ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, to see how they can help with fund-raising.

“I know this is something the residents at St Mary’s Court are now looking into.”

The scheme, on St Mary’s Way, offers sheltered accommodation for the over-60s and is home to 36 residents.

It is owned by local housing association Guinness Northern Counties and managed by Guinness Care and Support.