Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy is today welcomed a group of volunteers from Plymouth's Friends and Families of Deployed Units (FAFDU) Support Group on a visit to Parliament.

The visit coincided with International's Women's Day.

A total of seven women - mostly volunteers and many of them married to service personnel themselves - took tea with the MP, received a tour of Parliament and watched a debate in the House of Commons. They also met with Equality Minister Michael Foster MP and Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell MP.

The visit was made possible by First Great Western who generously donated seven complimentary first class train tickets.

FAFDU celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. It was launched by Helen Howlett and Adele Towsey  to support Plymouth's armed forces families by organising parties, trips away and other events. The successful model since be replicated in other military communities. Last year there efforts were recognised at the Ministry Of Defence's "People Awards"

Linda Gilroy MP said

"One of the most important ways in which we can support our servicemen and women is by supporting their families back home. I know from my visit to Crownhill Families Centre that the work done by Adele, Helen and their team of volunteers is greatly appreciated by Plymouth's armed forces community. I certainly value the feed back they give to me on welfare and family matters related to military life".

"They have organised hundreds of away days and visits for other people so I am pleased to have been able to do the same for them. I am really pleased that the visit coincides with International Women's Day  - so many women make such an important contribution to their local communities by volunteering in their spare time".

Above: Plymouth MPs Linda Gilroy and Alison join Equality Minister Michael Foster and Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell to meet FAFDU volunteers.

8 March 2010