POLLENSA TO HOST ANOTHER GROUP OF AFGHAN VETERANS

PALMA
TOMORROW (Monday) the third group of members of the Light Dragoons wounded in active service in Afghanistan will be arriving in Majorca with their partners and spouses for a week's holiday courtesy of the British community in Pollensa.

Since seriously wounded Marine Andy Grant became the first Afghanistan victim to be treated to a Majorcan holiday courtesy of the British community in Majorca after former Irish Guard Stan Bowles made a plea for help through the Bulletin, the move to help wounded British soldiers has gone from strength to strength.

Some of the wounded have come from the Ministry of Defence Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court while others are back with the regiments.
The group of members from the Light Dragoons, some of which saw some fierce action on the very front line in Helmand province, will be staying at a large finca near Pollensa and Anglican Church Warden Geoff Thomas, who is very deeply involved with the charitable initiative, said yesterday that they have plans to bring out four or may be five groups next year. “The local community and the church congregation here has been wonderful and offered a great deal of support. We've set up a little committee at the church to organise the charity and after services, people are only too willing to make donations to the cause. “We've also received a substantial donation from one individual, who I think is an ex-Dragoon, so, we're in funds which means we're able to help cover some of the costs of their stay. “For example, they've been invited to one lunch on Wednesday and then their final lunch will be at the Codfather on Sunday. “But, once they're here we'll ask them what they want to do and try and arrange it,” Thomas said yesterday afternoon.
Obviously, some are in physically and psychologically worse conditions than others but these breaks away to Majorca make all the difference in their lives and their road to recovery.” A few months ago, a wounded member of the REME, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, was treated to a week-long holiday in Majorca and the REME welfare officers, who saw what a difference the Majorca holiday made to Marine Andy Grant while he was at Headley Court, want to try and get more REME victims out to the island.

But, all this depends on the good will of the local community which has until now been excellent.
Should you wish to help in the future, please contact the Bulletin and your details will be passed on in full confidentiality.