Gifts light up darkest moments

Children are bringing Christmas cheer to wounded war heroes after collecting 122 boxes of toiletries and goodies.

The boxes, complete with messages of support from pupils at the Magnus School, Newark, are being taken to UK hospitals and military hospitals in Afghanistan in time for Christmas by the charity, Troop Aid.

Lance-sergeant Nathan Cumberland, of Fernwood, who was badly injured in an explosion in Afghanistan, was at the school’s assembly on Tuesday.

He said: “Knowing a complete stranger cares enough to send you a present is an amazing feeling and can put a smile on your face in your darkest moments.”

The parents of bomb disposal expert, Warrant Officer Ken Bellringer, Ray and Iris Bellringer, from Balderton, were also at the assembly.

Their son, an ex-Magnus pupil, was badly injured in an explosion as he went to help a comrade.