Prince Harry has sent his best wishes to those taking part in Sunday's Support Our Soldiers (SOS) sponsored walk, organised by Lyndsey Urwin, from South Shields.

Mrs Urwin, 24, said: "We contacted Clarence House to let them know what we were trying to achieve, and we're absolutely delighted when we got a written response back."

For the past nine years, her husband Ronnie, 27, has been a member of the elite Parachute Regiment, serving in various countries around the world.

He's on a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, where Prince Harry served earlier this year.

Proceeds from the eight-mile sponsored walk, which takes place between the Best Western Tavistock Roker Hotel, Sunderland, and Tavistock Restaurant Bar and Cafe, South Shields, where Mrs Urwin works as manager, will go to the Support Our Soldiers (SOS) campaign.

The funds will be used by the charity to send morale-boosting care packages to personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas, many of who receive little or no personal mail.

Mrs Urwin said: "It means a great deal to know that Prince Harry is supporting our efforts.

"I hope it will help raise even more awareness of what our troops go through.

She added: "It is hard enough for them to be putting their lives on the line, but to receive no communication from home must make them feel really alone.

"These care packages we send may not be much, but they go a long way towards showing those individuals that they are thought of and appreciated."

The SOS Sponsored Walk starts at the Tavistock Roker Hotel, Sunderland, at 10am.

When they reach the finish, participants will be rewarded with an afternoon of fun, including a bouncy castle, face painting and a BBQ.

For more details, call Tracey Urwin on 0787 478 7532 or e-mail Lyndsey@tavistockleisure.com.

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