A CAMPAIGN which saw Island residents donate 133 kilos of home comforts to the armed forces in Afghanistan has been hailed a success.
The Isle of Man Post Office and the Family Library joined forces to run the campaign which started in June.
Manxman Corporal John Quaggan asked residents to send home comforts to him and his comrades, some of whom are Manx, who are on the frontline in Afghanistan.
Generous residents sent out lip balm, dried fruit, sunblock, calamine lotion and boiled sweets to help the troops who have been experiencing uncomfortable living conditions including high temperatures and insect bites.
The campaign has now come to an end as Corporal Quaggan prepares to finish his tour of duty and return home later this month.
Mary Cousins, librarian in charge of the family library said: "This whole project started to support someone being asked to do a job in dangerous and tough circumstances that would have most of us running in the opposite direction.
"I was really heartened that so many people in the Island donated lovely treats to the young soldiers. I know that John valued each parcel he received and shared the home comforts with the rest of his Battle Group.
"He had really tough living conditions and everything he received let him know that he was being cared for and supported at home.
"I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the project – Isle of Man Post Office, the Island's public libraries, Ramsey Chiropody Surgery, Peel police station and all the individuals who donated so many items. John has asked me to pass on his thanks too he's incredibly grateful for all the support he received."
Lucy Webster-Thompson, PR & communications manager at the Isle of Man Post Office, said: "The public have fully supported this campaign and we have been inundated with donations which we have forwarded on to Corporal Quaggan.
"The Isle of Man is renowned for being very generous in backing a variety of worthwhile causes and this Home Comforts campaign has been no exception."
