AN EX-SERVICEMAN is appealing for people to donate shoebox parcels for his son and comrades living ‘like desert rats’ in Afghanistan.
Alan Gregson Snr, 65, of Stoak Village, was sent a letter from his son Daniel, currently based with the 1st Mercian regiment in Camp Bastion.
It detailed the toughness of life on the front line and the absence of home comforts.
Dad Alan said: “It’s pretty basic. He said they’re a bit like desert rats over there and if you can send anything over we can make use of anything and everything.”
Alan is urging readers to pack sweets, toiletries, Pot Noodles and chewing gum into the parcels – which must weigh no more than 2kg.
“It’s 40°C where he is so they can’t have chocolate. They are desperate for high energy drinks.”
Daniel, 37, has served in Bosnia and the Gulf but is now four weeks into a six-month posting in the war-torn country.
Alan has a unique understanding of his son’s situation – he himself served in Northern Ireland where he suffered an injury he receives treatment for to this day.
“I’ve been through it so I know what it’s like,” he added.
“We’ve been very lucky up to now – we haven’t heard about any spectaculars over there.”
Daniel’s family and friends now face an anxious wait before his return in November. Their worry was compounded this week by the death of a soldier from the 1st Mercian Regiment in Afghanistan.
The Shoe Box in Ellesmere Port market has promised to provide boxes to anyone that needs them.
Filled boxes can be handed in to Jane Lane at Sainsbury’s help desk, Ellesmere Port or Jean Lowe at the Wheelwright Arms, Elton.
