Legion to support bereaved relatives
Swindon Advertiser
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
29th January 2008
By Hayley Court
Members of Calne Royal British Legion have launched an outreach
programme for the bereaved families of soldiers repatriated
at Lyneham. The programme will provide support for grieving
relatives who travel to Wiltshire in the 48 hours leading
up to their
loved one's repatriation.
Legion members have handed leaflets to hotels in the town
offering a listening ear, friendly company and transport
for families staying there. The group set up the support
service after finding out many of the grieving families were
staying in Calne as they waited for their loved one's body
to be flown into RAF Lyneham.
Legion chairman John Ireland said: "Wootton Bassett
has been commended on the support it shows to the families
of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. We want
to ensure that families do not go unsupported in Calne by
offering to spend time with them while they wait
for their loved one's body to return home."
Mr Ireland knows first hand the pain of seeing a relative
repatriated. In 1990 his son Alexander was killed while serving
in Northern Ireland. He was just 20 years old. Mr Ireland
said: "It was many years ago now but I will
never forget the trauma you suffer when you lose a loved
one and for that reason we wanted to offer this service.
"Calne Legion has amongst its own ranks many who have
suffered such tragedy themselves. We want families
to know they are not alone and we are here to provide support
if they so wish. The service is completely unobtrusive,
if they do not require us then we won't bother them - we
are just on
hand for those who do."
The leaflets - which were distributed yesterday - say: "The
Officers and Members of Calne Branch of the Royal British
Legion are aware of the tragic reason that you are visiting
our town and wish to pass on to you our sincere commiserations
for your loss."
They go on to say: "We therefore
wish to place ourselves at your service during the short
period of time that you
will be amongst us. A list of contacts is shown on
the next page of branch members that families can call upon." Mr Ireland added: "It really is the least we can do
when you think of the sacrifices our service personnel are
making." To contact Calne's
Royal British Legion call
01249 811910
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