Penicuik army wife boxes up some Christmas treats for troops

Charlotte Park runs Treats for Troops on Tour. Donate at https://uk.gofundme.com/treats-for-troops-on-tour

But for the Armed Forces, things are often a little different. For thousands of UK servicemen and women, Christmas will be spent away from home .

It was when sending a Christmas box to her husband Derek in 2015 while he was serving in Afghanistan that Charlotte Park realised how many of our armed forces go without a single present to open. She then came up with the idea to set up an initiative – Treats for Troops on Tour – as a sign of appreciation for the work our armed forces do.

Three years and 8000 morale-boosting boxes later, Charlotte (46) from Penicuik, has been recognised for her selfless actions for those troops deployed overseas by receiving the Points of Light award,  recognising outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and  inspiring others.

She said: “I am totally shocked and overwhelmed to have won the award. It is fantastic to be recognised but I did not expect this at all.

“I was quite shocked at how many soldiers go without packages at Christmas. I decided to make up 50 boxes with the help of family and friends and the reaction was amazing. In the first nine months we posted 1400 parcels to soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.

“Especially at this time of year it is tough on the families as well as the soldiers. It is just something to help raise spirits and the troops are so grateful for what we do.

“I don’t know any of them but we get lots of people thanking us. The word is spreading and there is certainly more demand for the packages now than ever before. It is a lot of hard work but it is definitely worth it to know you’ve put a smile on someone’s face.”

The boxes provide items such as snacks, toiletries, small items of clothing and gifts.

Charlotte’s dedication sees her using her free time  preparing hundreds of boxes at home while also juggling her full-time job as a healthcare assistant and a mum to two sons.

In a personal letter to Charlotte, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Through Treats for Troops on Tour, you are sending an important message of support to the Armed Forces personnel overseas who are making great sacrifices in the service of our country.

“Having sent special parcels to your husband Derek whilst he was serving in Afghanistan, you know what a difference small gifts can make in boosting morale. You should feel very proud of how you have grown this initiative to support so many troops, particularly at a time of the year when they are apart from their loved ones.”

Treats for Troops on Tour has grown. Charlotte is now joined by three other volunteers, Heather in Aberdeen, as well as Donna and Jean in Drumchapel in delivering packages to troops overseas including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Derek, a major in The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion currently based at Glencorse Barracks, has spent numerous long periods away.

Charlotte added: “It doesn’t get any easier being away from your family. Christmas is our busiest time but we also send boxes out for occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Easter.

“I’m getting more people contacting me asking to send packages to them, colleagues or one of their family members, and it is fantastic to hear people appreciate what we do.

“I never expected for the scheme to kick on like it has. It is now 100mph. It is my baby, well more of a toddler now, but it is definitely a group effort.”