By Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

Two kind-hearted women have collected 80 shoe boxes full of goodies to send to brave soldiers in Afghanistan.

Donna Lawson, 46, of Homestead Way, New Addington, decided to start a collection, after her son Lee, 24, told her how nice it was when he received a similar gift from a stranger, when serving in Iraq two years ago.

She enlisted the help of her friend Anita Hurrell, also 46, and they have filled the boxes full of sweets, chocolates, toiletries and tea bags over the last two weeks.

Donna explained: "I thought 'just because my Lee's not there doesn't mean I can't help the others'.

"I wanted to do this to really and truly let the soldiers know that we aren't taking them for granted and we're all very proud of them.

"The boxes are just little presents to show them we are thinking of them and always praying for them."

Lee served in Iraq for seven months in the Royal Artillery and was touched when he opened his parcel from a 63-year-old woman called Rose.

Donna said: "It gives me goose-bumps to think of Lee opening that gift – it must have been so special to have a complete stranger letting you know they are proud of you."

Anita, of Lee Crescent, New Addington, is especially proud of her grandson Charlie, 5, who has filled his own parcel and written a letter to the soldier who receives his box.

The friends approached local shops for contributions - but were a little disheartened when most turned them away.

But Donna is especially grateful to the New Addington Dental Practice, who gave up a batch of toothpaste for the cause, and the Selsdon Park Hotel, which helped collect 20 boxes.

Donna has taken the boxes to the Pirbright Barracks, in Surrey, from where they will be sent to Afghanistan.