A CHARITY has pleaded for funding to help continue a series of “life-changing” military reminiscence sessions.

Age UK Oxfordshire ran six pilot meetings at Rymans Court sheltered housing in Britwell Road, Didcot, for old soldiers to socialise, share memories and old photos.

The charity said the six weekly sessions had been successful in helping war veterans to open up and share their experiences.

It had hoped to host similar events elsewhere in Oxfordshire but needed money to pay for the Living Military History displays.

Age UK Oxfordshire spokeswoman Karen Thomas said: “To see some of the old boys together will reduce you to tears.

“So many have said these sessions have done the world of good, and for those with problems it has changed lives.

“We are pestering as many people as we can with good nature, and trying to get money from the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

“We have relied on the goodwill of so many; local taxi and bus firms have offered free transport to ferry people around.

“The testimonials we have heard from the nursing home tell us that these sessions have been vital in improving the health of the old boys. We owe these people a debt for what they did and if we can help them engage then we must do it.”

She said the charity had bid for funding from the Civilian Military Partnership Forum and was awaiting a response.

It is hoping to raise about £5,000 to train staff to deal with the more vulnerable elderly participants.

The reminiscence events use props and war memorabilia to stir memories.

Age UK has also asked for any spare old memorabilia or uniforms from members of the public.

It says these can often be more helpful than cash donations due to their rarity. Old newspapers, uniforms, helmets, wartime boardsgames and photographs are passed around as participants enjoy tea.

About 30 former servicemen and women attended the final session last month.

Community psychiatric nurse officer Graham Bandy, of D Detachment 202 M Field Hospital in Abingdon, runs Living Military History events. He, along with Ruth Swift and Mrs Thomas from Age UK Oxfordshire organised the event.

County chairman of the Royal British Legion Jim Lewendon said he hoped the events could continue as the benefits were “clear to see”.

The 84-year-old poppy seller said: “You do lose people as you get older and it is a fact that some of the older soldiers do become reclusive.

“Some don’t want to talk about their experiences at all so having an event that brings people together can only be a good thing.

“I really hope that Age UK gets the money as it is something that the RBL most definitely back.”

To donate, call Age UK on 01865 717614.