The Rifles Appeal for soldiers injured or killed (From The Northern Echo)

The Rifles Appeal for soldiers injured or killed

8:29am Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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ONE of the region’s mayors yesterday gave his backing to a wristband appeal for soldiers injured and killed in the line of duty.

Darlington Mayor Jim Ruck paid £100 for a wristband to help 3 Rifles.

The appeal, which is backed by The Northern Echo, has been set up to raise funds for 3 Rifles soldiers who have been injured or killed, and to give financial support to their families.

Councillor Ruck, who served in the RAF, decided to get involved in the appeal after reading what he described as a “very poignant article” in yesterday’s Northern Echo about North-East soldiers asking for the help of the public.

He highlighted the importance of supporting charities which help the Armed Forces, especially 3 Rifles, many of whom are from the region.

He said: “I felt the appeal needed a bit of a kick-start – I want to look in any direction I can to support the Armed Forces.

“It is important that the people of Darlington back this campaign.”

The £100 was raised through donations at different events in Darlington.

A new batch of the wristbands, which have sold out twice, are on sale, for a suggested donation of £2, at The Northern Echo’s offices in Darlington and Bishop Auckland.