ARMY wives have been given massive support from the community to stage a fun day to raise cash for their soldier heroes.

Every year 23 Pioneer hosts an annual celebration for families but, with husbands fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan, the event was postponed.

That was until the St David’s Barracks Mums and Tots Group, in Ambrosden, took matters into their own hands.

On Saturday, August 22, the women hope to raise cash for an organisation close to their hearts — the national Help for Heroes charity, which supports injured and disabled servicemen.

Lindsey Roberts, 28, whose husband, Andrew, has been serving in Afghanistan with 23 Pioneer Regiment since March, said: “Usually every year they have a big Corps weekend for the regiment, but they are all away at the moment so we took it into our own hands.

“We are inviting the local community down and are appealing to anyone who might like to run a stall or help out to get in touch. We hope to raise as much as we possibly can.

“We really want to go all-out.

“They have done so much for us, we wanted to give something back.”

Among the activities donated by local businesses are sumo wrestling costumes, a bungee run and raffle prizes.

There will also be fairground rides, bouncy castles, and food stalls.

Older children will also be able to go along and take part in an assault training course dressed as a soldier and a face painter and children’s magician will also be on hand, all for an entrance fee of 50p per person.

Mrs Roberts, who has three children – six-month old Kayla, Jessica, three, and Kyle, two – said the Bicester army welfare team had been extremely supportive to the mothers as they looked for help in arranging the day. She added: “It can be hard for everyone when their partners are away. When you’ve got children it can be especially difficult to get out and about, but they really helped us out. The team here are second to none.”

She said families tried to keep themselves busy while husbands and fathers were away and none of them watched the news.

Mrs Roberts said: “We all say the day you want to worry about is when you see an Army officer you don’t know walking up the path.

“Thank God it has not happened to any of us.

“It’s a worry but you have got to try and get on with it. It is part and parcel of our life.”

l To host a stall or help out at the fun day, which will run between noon and 6pm, contact Mrs Roberts on 07516 466710.