Injured British troops will enjoy home-grown, farm-reared turkey this Christmas, courtesy of donations from producers throughout the country.
The campaign – launched by the National Farmers Union’s (NFU’s) UK turkey's website and Connect Packaging with the help of the Ministry of Defence − will supply scores of soldiers with their Christmas meal.
The turkeys will be delivered to Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, Headley Court in Surrey, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, the Royal Star and Garter in Richmond, the Royal Hospital in Chelsea as well as units in Colchester and Edinburgh. Up to 1,200 dinners are expected to be served on Christmas day.
‘The wounded, injured and sick’
Lt col Mel Pears, commanding officer of the Personnel Recovery Unit in Catterick, said: “I would like to, on behalf of every soldier under my command, say thank you to the NFU. The wounded, injured and sick of the are very pleased with this practical demonstration of support, a gift of turkeys this Christmas.”
NFU president Peter Kendall said: “We are extremely proud of the generosity shown by those turkey producers who have donated towards this campaign. From the farmers, to the Ministry of Defence and to our packaging partners, there has been nothing but genuine goodwill behind the idea of Turkeys for Troops. We sincerely hope they enjoy tucking into some really fantastic British produce for their Christmas meals.”
