For the past nine years Lyndsey Urwin's husband Ronnie, 27, from South Shields, has been a member of the elite Parachute Regiment, serving in various countries around the world.

His unit is deployed on a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, where Mrs Urwin regularly sends special care packages, containing a variety of home comforts, such as sweets, cheese and toiletries.

She said: "When I was talking to Ronnie, he told me that some of the soldiers don't get anything from home at all.

"I decided to raise funds to help send boxes of goodies to them, to keep their spirits up," she said.

The 24-year-old, who manages the Tavistock Restaurant Bar and Cafe in South Shields, has organised a special sponsored walk and family fun day to raise funds for national charity SOS – Support Our Soldiers – and to coincide with the end of the awareness week.

The charity is dedicated to helping members of the British Armed Forces on overseas operations, as well as their families back at home.

The walk is also fully supported by Mrs Urwin's employers Tavistock Leisure Ltd, who are not only helping her organise the event, but also putting together a family day at the finish line.

The event, which starts at 10am on Sunday, June 8, will cover the eight-mile stretch between the Tavistock Roker Hotel in Sunderland, and where Mrs Urwin works on the seafront.

Once at the finish line, participants will be rewarded with an afternoon of fun for all the family, including a bouncy castle, face painting, a BBQ and a commemorative balloon release, marking the end of SOS week.

All proceeds raised on the day will go directly to the charity.

Mrs Urwin said: "It's heartbreaking to think that many of the brave servicemen and women who are out there serving this country receive very little communication from home."

She added: "It would be great if people across the region came together to show their support, and I hope as many people as possible sign up to take part in this event."

Anyone wanting to take part in the sponsored walk can contact Tracey Urwin on 07874 787 532, or e-mail her here.