Messages of Support and Thanks

Our Patron, the Duke of Westminster, KG CB, OBE, TD, DL

"At a time when our Armed Forces are at their busiest for many years, I am delighted to be the Patron of uk4u Thanks! Their aim, 'to deliver festive cheer' to all those deployed on operations at Christmas from all three Services, including regulars and reservists, draws on the best traditions of our country in supporting Servicemen and women away from home at such a special time of year.

"This scheme, resurrected in 2004 on the ninetieth anniversary of Princess Mary's original Christmas Gift Fund of 1914, has proved to be a great success. The charity encourages industry and individuals to sponsor the Christmas box, or 'square Christmas stocking' as it has become known. Whilst the Ministry of Defence assists with expert advice facilitates delivery, the box is a gift from you, the grateful nation, to say thank you for a job well done under trying and often dangerous circumstances".

The Duke of Westminster

British Forces Foundation 2009 DVD

The Saturdays

"We are honoured to be supporting uk4u Thanks! and their quest to send 23,000 Christmas Boxes out to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. They are very much in our thoughts, and we wish them and all their families a very Merry Christmas".

Ross Kemp

"My time spent in Afghanistan has given me a great insight into what life is like for the men and women of our Armed Forces. I know how much it will mean to them to receive these boxes, and the message of support and thanks from the public that comes with them".

Katherine Jenkins

"I am delighted to give my support to the Christmas Box Appeal, a fantastic scheme funded entirely through charitable donations.

"uk4u makes sure everyone serving overseas at Christmas will get a great present, and I know from my many trips to see the troops how much it means to show we appreciate them and support what they are doing".

Jennifer Ellison

"All those men and women serving abroad at Christmas need to know that we are thinking of them. Everyone loves to get presents at Christmas and this scheme, funded entirely through charitable contributions, is a wonderful way to let them know that those at home appreciate and support what they are doing".

Jim Davidson

Under Secretary of State for Defence, Kevan Jones MP

"The Christmas Box campaign is a fantastic way for the nation to show their thanks and appreciation of the Armed Forces. The charity uk4u Thanks! ensures personnel serving abroad on operations from the Royal Navy, the Army and the RAF all receive a box, and the MOD is pleased to support them in their work".

Service Personnel

Brigadier P C Marriott
Commander A J L Watt