Each year through the generous support of our audiences we raise funds for various charities who work to assist veterans and those serving in our Armed Forces. One of the charities we support is Troop Aid.
British Servicemen and women get hurt every day whilst training or in combat, doing their day job, protecting us, the civilians of the United Kingdom.
What most people don't realise is that when our troops in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sustain serious injury they have to go to a hospital in the clothes they are in. This unexpected visit for medical treatment is usually very stressful and sometimes life-changing and can have deep psychological effects.
Troop Aid aim to reduce or alleviate at least some of this by providing basic essentials and toiletries, that military and civilian hospitals do not provide, so helping the patient's dignity and esteem, during this traumatic period.
As a registered charity, Troop Aid accept donations to fund the supply of our Grab Bags, which have been proven to help during the patient's medical recovery. Click on the button below to make a donation.
The organisers of the Birmingham International Tattoo would like to offer thanks to all those who have helped us raise funds for forces charities Troop Aid and The Royal Star and Garter Homes.
Money raised during the Saturday performance of the Tattoo goes to Troop Aid.
When service personnel are injured either on training exercise or in combat operations they are admitted to hospital without their personal effects or clothing. Troop Aid supplies them with a grab bag of the 'basic essentials'. Items in the Grab Bag include T-shirt and shorts, washing and shaving kit, towel, face flannel, toothpaste, toothbrush, shower mules, socks, underwear, pen and paper. They also make up Grab Bags for injured female service personnel. In addition to this emergency pack they also supply on demand to the injured service personnel many other items of clothing and footwear such as tracksuits, hoodies, fleeces and trainers.
Troop Aid deal directly with the Defence Medical Welfare Service and other military medical establishments in the UK where there is a need. Their Grab Bags are currently being used in the Field Hospitals in Cyprus and Kenya, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and the Ministry of Defence Hospital Units in Plymouth, Portsmouth, Frimley Park Hospital in Camberley, Medical Centre ITC Catterick Garrison and MDHU Northallerton.
It costs £40.00 to make up one of their Grab Bags and the Tattoo organisers are pleased to be able to support fundraising at this year's Tattoo once again to support this worthy cause. For more information or to make a donation to Troop Aid please visit their website.