A GRANDMOTHER who is preparing for a six-month tour of Afghanistan is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for Help For Heroes at a hog roast and disco tomorrow.

Christine Winterbottom, of Linton-on-Ouse, will be working as a civilian for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI), which provides retail and leisure services to the armed forces.

The 44-year-old, whose husband, Sergeant David Winterbottom, has served with the Royal Artillery for the past 24 years, said it would be her first time in a war zone.

She said: “I’ve got a few nerves, but I think it will hit me when I go to pick up my body armour and helmet that I’m actually going to a war zone.

“I’ve lost quite a few friends out there and I know quite a few injured soldiers that have been pulled through thanks to the money being raised by Help For Heroes.

“If these soldiers are giving up their lives and limbs for us to have freedom, the least we can do is try and raise money to help them.” Christine, who has a 20-year-old daughter, Vicki, and two-year-old granddaughter, Morgan, said she was passionate about Help For Heroes, which raises funds to help rehabilitate wounded servicemen and women.

She said: “We shouldn’t have to raise this money because it should be there for them, but unfortunately it isn’t.”

The fundraising event, at Linton Lock Marina, in Linton-on-Ouse, starts at 6pm, with an auction at 9.30pm. Other attractions include a handmade jewellery stall, face painting, glitter tattoos, a raffle, tombola and the chance to meet the Wayne Helliwell Racing team, who will be at the event with an 850-horsepower car.

One of the top auction prizes will be a ride in the aircraft simulator at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

Entry costs £6.50, either on the door or in advance by phoning 01347 848844.