Help for the Heroes’ Hounds appeal receives special treat from Hyndburn residents (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Help for the Heroes’ Hounds appeal receives special treat from Hyndburn residents
1:22pm Wednesday 4th January 2012 in Earby
CAMPAIGN Mandy Rawstron and Tom O’Kane get their message across. Above, Jason Rawstron, Mandy’s son, who was killed in Afghanistan
SNIFFER dogs in Afghanistan received a special festive treat thanks to the generosity of residents in Hyndburn.
The unsung heroes were championed in a unique Christmas appeal which was organised by Mandy Rawstron, whose son was killed in Afghanistan, and Clayton-le-Moors ward councillor Tim O’Kane.
Private Jason Rawstron, 23, from Clayton-le-Moors, was shot dead by a Taliban gunman in Helmand province in September 2008.
Ever since his death Mandy, 47, of Barnes Street, has worked to support the Help for Heroes soldiers’ charity.
While doing so, she realised the courage of the Army’s Arms and Explosives Search (AES) dogs also deserved the British public’s thanks.
She wanted people to think of the brave animals and reward them with donations of dog food, treats and toys at a collection point in Accrington Town Hall.
‘Hyndburn Help for the Heroes’ Hounds’ was launched at the end of November.
Mandy said: “It went really well.
“There were dog treats, sweets and bones, all sorts of donations, which the dogs will love.
“There was lots of stuff and money as well.
“We think we are going to send it to the centres where they train the dogs, through the action group I have set up in Jason’s name.
“It’s brilliant that everybody has made such an effort.
We’re very grateful.”
