As the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan reaches 100, and following Seafarers UK’s NOP recent poll results which show overwhelming support for the work of Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel, the charity is calling for the public to pledge their support for our ‘Naval Heroes’.
Seafarers UK is urging people to sign its website pledge, at www.seafarers-uk.org to demonstrate support to the men and women who risk their lives in operations abroad; it hopes to reach its target of 10,000 pledges by December. Of the 100 British casualties in Afghanistan since 2001, 15 were Royal Marines.
The charity commissioned a poll as part of its 2 Million Reasons fundraising campaign, which aims to raise £2 million to help provide much needed support to seafarers and their families who often face enormous hardships when returning from sea. Results showed that three quarters of people believe that Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel have not been recognised for their role in Iraq and Afghanistan, while a similar percentage felt they did not receive enough support on their return home.
Barry Bryant, Director General, Seafarers UK said:
“Our troops face incredible dangers, as the recent casualty figures make all too clear. Many who return also bring the horrors of war back home with them, such as physical injury or emotional distress, all of which adds a huge amount of stress to family life. Our poll shows that there is a strong public will to show far more recognition to our Royal Navy and Royal Marines; we want to build on this momentum and turn it into practical action through our pledge, which will be a public record of support for our servicemen and women.”
For further information, see www.seafarers-uk.org, email justine.law@seafarers-uk.org or call 020 7932 5969.
Notes to Editors:
Seafarers UK, registered charity no. 226446 (England and Wales), no. SC038191 (Scotland) is a national charity working to unite the maritime charity sector to address the specific needs of all seafarers and their families, from those just embarking on a career at sea to those facing distress through unemployment or homelessness and loss of livelihood through accidents at sea.
Seafarers UK is able to use its experience of working with the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets to raise money and distribute it where it is needed. As an umbrella Seafarers UK aims to lead the sector in maximising the effectiveness of its fundraising activities. Over the past 10 years, the charity has granted around £26 million to help those in need of support.