GRIEVING relations of a young Chesterfield soldier killed in Afghanistan have launched a campaign to help British troops.
The father, mother and sister of Private Ben Ford are collecting parcels for the troops and planning a fundraising skydive in his memory.
Private Ford, aged 17, died almost a year ago when the vehicle he was travelling in was blown up by a roadside bomb. He was on routine patrol in Helmand province – his first overseas deployment with the Army.
Ben's younger sister Emma bravely followed in his footsteps and joined the army two weeks after her brother's death. Now aged 17, she has just completed her training to become Private Ford of The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
On September 5 – the first anniversary of Ben's death – Emma and her mum Jane, 50, will plunge in tandem from a plane at Langar Airfield, near Nottingham.
With a fortnight still to go, they have already raised £2,000 sponsorship.
Jane, a sales manager at a Chesterfield paint company, is taking part despite her fear of heights.
Dad Trevor, a maintenance team leader at Sheffield Homes, who would also have been skydiving but for a back injury, said: "Emma suggested the idea when she came home on leave from training. She said she wanted to do something in memory of Ben.
"Her mum said it was a wonderful idea, thinking it would be something sensible and sedate, then Emma came up with going on a skydive. Jane is being brave as she doesn't fly very well and feels sick on an aeroplane going on holiday."
Sponsorship has rolled in from building contractors including Wates, AWM, Tilen Electrical, GB Electrical and Williams Electrical, all based in Sheffield. Nottingham-based Mortgage Investment has also pledged cash.
Money raised will be split between Headley Court rehabilitation centre for injured soldiers and buying basic comforts to send out to troops, such as sweets, chocolate, talcum powder, newspapers, magazines, and clothing such as sportswear which they have difficulty getting hold of.
The family, of Newbold, Chesterfield, has also been talking to companies including Kellogg's and Cadbury's about providing gifts.
Trevor said: "The parcels will be greatly appreciated and the soldiers will share out the contents."
He added the family will pass on parcels of goodies. He advises senders to write their address on the packages, so troops can post letters of thanks in return.
Trevor said the importance of the work at Headley Court was shown by the remarkable recovery of Lance Corporal Ryan Knight, the sole survivor of the bomb blast which killed Ben, Private Damian Wright and their interpreter.
Ryan suffered severe injuries to his pelvis but can walk again. He has left the Army and is looking for a civilian job.
He will be watching Emma and Jane's jump.
Ben, who joined up in 2005, was a member of 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, which recruits in north Derbyshire.
The regiment has honoured Ben by adding his name to the regimental memorial at Crich.
n To make a cash donation, call Trevor on 07764 959664. Parcels can be left at Sheffield Town Hall reception between 9am and 5pm daily, at army recruitment offices or at Chesterfield Territorial Army Barracks, Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield.
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