Huppert backs fund-raiser for Marines in Afghanistan (Cambridge Liberal Democrats)

Cambridge Liberal Democrats <camlibdems@gmail.com>

Huppert backs fund-raiser for Marines in Afghanistan

August 31, 2010 10:26 AM

Huppert Cambridge MP Julian Huppert is backing a fund-raising campaign to support Royal Marines in Afghanistan.

Julian has donated to the campaign which raises money for the injured Marines of 40 Commando and their families and he is urging other Cambridge residents to give their support.

Julie Davis brought the campaign to Julian's attention because her 23-year-old son Joseph is serving alongside young men from Cambridge in 40 Commando in Sangin province.

While training Joseph became good friends with fellow Marine, Will Melville and his father Stuart who are both serving with the battalion.

Stuart, known as Mel, will be running a marathon within the safety of the camp in Afghanistan on September 11 to raise money for 40 Commando Welfare which is able to offer instant help to injured Marines and support the families of those serving in Afghanistan by arranging days out.

Julie said: "It is hard to grasp how hard 40 Commando have been hit on this tour. They have lost 14 men with a further 50 plus injured. The one thing that is so important to our lads is that everything at home remains 'normal'.

"My son and his comrades are very ordinary young men who have chosen to do an extraordinary thing with their lives. They know they may have to lay down their lives for their friends and their country, that's what makes them so special.

"I want to help raise money for the injured lads and their families and I would ask for your support."

Julian said: "We owe so much to these young men and I am delighted to be able to help.

"40 Commando has suffered terrible losses but the families of these Marines have to carry on as normal. Anything we can do to make life a little easier has to be good. I would urge everyone to support this appeal."

Donations can be made by cheque payable to Mel's Marathon, RM Welfare Team, 40 Commando, Norton Manor Camp, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6PF or donations can be made online at https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/MelsMarathonMarathonMen