Jean-Claude Van Damme backs campaign for city soldiers

HIS fans are more used to him sporting a sweatband or a gun – not a rubber bracelet.

But Hollywood actor Jean-Claude Van Damme has joined a growing list of celebrities who are backing an Edinburgh wristband campaign to support servicemen and their families.

Actress Minnie Driver, The Proclaimers' Charlie Reid and even veteran comedian Syd Little have been pictured pledging their support after being contacted by the wives and partners of Redford Barracks-based soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

Kat Zuppinger, 29, whose husband, rifleman Ryan, 30, is one of hundreds of 3 Rifles soldiers serving in Afghanistan, said: "The campaign is vital both for our soldiers and their families. The simple fact is, the more lads that are injured, the more the money dries out."

Mrs Zuppinger is one of the many wives who are determined to play their part in the campaign on home soil, by raising awareness of the appeal which supports injured soldiers in hospital and their families.

A minimum donation of 2 is recommended for each wristband, which is rifle green and displays the regiment's "Swift and Bold" motto.

All proceeds from the campaign – which began at the end of last year and has so far raised 35,000 – go towards immediate help for soldiers, such as buying equipment as they recover in hospital, including computers and mobile phones to make contact with their loved ones.

The money also helps relatives as they travel to visit them, cover childcare costs and cope with the realities their partners' injuries, or death, can bring.

Mrs Zuppinger said: "We have had a lot of injuries and the money we did have is dwindling. The money can help to keep the soldiers as entertained as possible while they are in hospital. Many cannot even walk.

"It's also for their families, who in such circumstances need as little to think about as possible, particularly financial worries."

On Monday, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra agreed to wear an appeal wristband having met with the wives and partners at Redford as part of a royal visit to open its new welfare centre.

Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders is also a key supporter of the campaign, as well as donating a pair of signed drumsticks to raise extra funds.

The families of the 3 Rifles servicemen have also created appeal hooded tops and are arranging fundraising nights for the cause.

Mrs Zuppinger said: "We are doing as much as we can. We just cannot sit waiting at home, we have to feel like we are helping."

To support the campaign, visit www.swiftandbold-org. rstowebdev.com