A SUPPORT team is going on the road to give hands-on help to families of servicemen and women who died while serving in the British armed forces.

Forces Support has set up the team with funding raised from its six shops, two of which are in Kidderminster.

The charity provides practical help for families who might be struggling with jobs around their homes.

Founder Bill McCance said: “I was looking for help for someone who had lost their son. “Their son may not have done those little jobs but they often get ignored. People sort of bury themselves.

“The worst thing that could happen to me would be to lose my children. ”

Mr McCance uses volunteers, some of whom are ex-Army and others who work in the building trade. His team recently helped Kidderminster resident Elaine Laga with her garden. Gunner Kenneth Laga, Mrs Laga’s son, died aged 22 in a road accident while based in Germany in 2005.

Mrs Laga said: “I needed them to do some digging but they did my whole garden. I’m grateful.

“I was a keen gardener and it’s reignited my hobby. I sit out in the garden every day.

“Bill’s charity helps the whole family. I like their ethos. It’s good for the families, for the volunteers and for the community.”

Kenneth Laga died just eight months after his brother, Leon Laga, was found dead on the steps of Kidderminster Police Station.

“It’s hard to accept help,” Mrs Laga said. “It’s much easier to offer it.” She now runs her own charity, the Military Family Support Group, to help bereaved families who are in a similar situation to herself. “There was nothing whatsoever to help parents in those circumstances – we don’t tick the right boxes,” she said.

“I’m so glad Forces Support is going from strength to strength. It’s hard for parents too – I shall never have grandchildren.”

Mr McCance has 23 families waiting for help. For details of the two charities, visit forcessupport.org.uk and mfsg.org.uk