WAGAMADS Charity is Launched

A mother of two Royal Marines from Ferndown is launching a new charity which will support families who struggle when their loved ones are posted to Afghanistan.

WAGAMADS, established by Julie Marchant offers emotional support to the “wives and girlfriends and mums and dads” and anyone else affected by deployment.

“It might seem silly to other people, but it means a lot to us,” said Mrs Marchant. “We know how important it is to get their birthday cake to them on time. We all know what each other are going through.”

Tony Wright, a spokesman for the Royal British Legion Women’s Section said “It’s often the case that the people who are left behind are neglected, particularly those who are newly widowed. It’s an area that really needs help.”

The first project the WAGAMADS are working on is furnishing property bought by the Ministry of Defence for relatives who are visiting injured troops at Selly Oaks hospital.

Corporal Gavin Marchant, 23, from Ferndown, said the charity provides what is missing from official aid. “The welfare services set up at each camp are really good, but they have limited funds, so they can’t pay for things like accommodating families visiting injured relatives.”
Mr Marchant added “When one of my friends was injured in Afghanistan, his mother who lives in Canada was unable to get to England quickly. She was so grateful that the WAGAMADS could step in and support him, giving him home comforts until she arrived.”

Treasurer of the WAGAMADS, Michelle Marchant, 21, from Ferndown, added that the charity offers whatever people need. “Everyone handles deployment differently. Some people don’t like talking about it, so we’re also here to take their minds of things.”

Former RAF pilot, Brian Mather, 75, from Wimborne said “there weren’t any services like this when I was young. There was no support for the women left at home, so a charity like this is a good idea.”

The charity has been inundated with support from well wishers, including encouragement from Help for Heroes who wish the WAGAMADS “the best of luck”.




Links:
WAGAMADS website: http://www.wagamads.co.uk