On Saturday 5 December, Chris Kelly, Dudley South's Prospective Conservative MP, and Graeme Brown and Margot James, his colleagues in Dudley North and Stourbridge respectively, spent the afternoon at the Merry Hill shopping centre collecting money for the Army Benevolent Fund, a charity that supports members of our armed forces and their families.

Joining Chris, Margot and Graeme was renowned forces campaigner, Christine Bonner. Christine, who tragically lost her son, Darren, in the Afghanistan conflict more than 2 years ago, devotes most of her spare time to raising money for the troops. The team raised £1,000 altogether.

Chris said, "It was a pleasure to campaign with Christine, who is such an inspirational lady, and help her raise some money for our troops serving in Afghanistan and their families. The people of Dudley gave very generously, and were very keen to pass on their support for the troops. They are doing a difficult job a long way from home and I'm pleased we could all do a little to hopefully help them enjoy Christmas whilst away from home as much as they can."

Collecting for the Army Benevolent Fund for our troops in Afghanistan at the Merry Hill shopping centre

5th December 2009