Soldiers know that at some time they’ll be asked to risk everything. And they’re prepared to do it.

They know their life might be cut short or changed forever. They know that could mean never seeing their mates, their family, their children or their local again.

They’ll tell you it’s what they’re trained to do and that they’re doing their job. They’re asked to do many things. Thanks to the political will that deploys them they’re asked to win hearts and minds, often in an atmosphere of hatred and resentment.

To be nationbuilders in societies where almost nothing functions normally. To be peacekeepers and find that there is no peace to keep.

To these tasks, they bring their training, their determination, their own inimitable language and a wacky sense of humour.

And while they represent an Army with long traditions and the highest standards, they’re are not stuck in the past. These young people take their iPods to war, connect to home through satellite television and read the tabloids on their computers.

They work hard, they play hard, and they care a lot about what we think of them. And when things go horribly wrong as they sometimes do, they’d never ask for your help.

But we do. When they’ve put everything on the line it’s our job to ask for something from those of us that they serve to defend.

When they’ve risked their lives, and everything that they hold dear, we’re here to provide them and their families with lifetime support.

That’s why we’re The Soldiers’ Charity.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

If you are so minded please donate now.