COLNE: Mum of injured soldier organises charity night

Annette Aspin’s 22 year-old son Shaun had been serving with the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment for three weeks in the field when he was injured in May.

Shaun suffered a life-threatening neck injury and was flown back to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, where he remained in a coma for almost a week.

Annette, of Colne Lane, said: “While we were visiting Shaun we realised just how many families were going through the same thing we were.

“We saw soldiers with some horrific injuries. We were very lucky with Shaun, had his injuries been just a bit lower, he could have been paralysed.”

Since Shaun’s recovery, Annette has devoted her time to raising money for the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, helping injured soldiers and their families.

On January 22nd she will host a charity night at the Buffs Club in Walton Street, Colne, with entertainment from singer and guitarist and a raffle. Tickets cost £3 and all proceeds will go to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Annette said: “You hear about those who have been killed in service but not about the many who have suffered life-changing injuries. There are so many soldiers living with a disability somebody has to support them.”

Last month Annette teamed up with Mandy Paul, the aunt of fallen Earby soldier L/Cpl Jordan Bancroft, to sell charity calendars to raise money for the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Annette’s sales of the “Bare All for the Dukes 2011” calendars have already raised nearly £500 for the cause.

Shaun, a former West Street Primary and Park High School pupil, said it was “absolutely fantastic” how his mum is helping.

Like many recovering soldiers, he is looking forward to getting back to Afghanistan.

Annette said: “One of the first things he said when he woke up from his coma was he couldn’t wait to get back out there.”

To buy a ticket for the charity night or order calendar call Annette on 871004.