I very recently wrote a piece asking that we spare a thought or two for the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. For the lives expended during Two World Wars, and, the lives still being forfeited Today. We owe a National Debt to such people, one which will never be paid back, regardless of who comes in to power. Regardless of the passage of time!

If we can’t make or haven’t the time or ability to help make such repayments, then surely the very least we can do is to help support the many various charities that don’t get any/proportionate Government funding, by digging in to our own personal reserves. In line with, but slightly off track, I can’t  tell you how personally delighted I was when the Gurkha’s widows received a fair and just pension on the death of their spouse. This did not happen though without the work of TV personality Joanna Lumley. Shouldn’t the Government feel shamed and mortified that it took such press coverage and public pressure, for justice to be done!

Back on track however, I wanted to raise awareness of a charity called St Dunstan’s. This in brief is an independent future for blind ex-Servicemen and women. Founded during World War 1, St Dunstan’s evolved through one man’s horror at society’s indifference to the fate of blinded soldiers. Today however, St Dunstan’s provides training and support to blind ex- Service men and women, regardless of how they have lost their sight, whether it be through war, age disease or accident.

Now St Dunstan’s may be too proud to pass round the begging bowl, but as somebody who wants to do my bit in thanking all these magnificently brave men and women, I am not too proud to ask for your support. If you wish to enquire further, or even make that vital donation, you can phone 0300 111 2233, or go on line to enquiries@st-dunstans.org.uk (www.st-dunstans.org.uk).

Go on make somebody’s Christmas.

God Bless, and, Thank you.