THIS year the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help celebrates its 125th anniversary.

At a time when members of our armed forces are working in extremely dangerous and challenging circumstances, SSAFA Forces Help continues to provide both our servicemen and women, and their families, with the practical support they need.

The people of Herefordshire have a proud and longstanding tradition of supporting and recognising the achievements of those who serve their country, no more so than now, when the reality of conflict is all too evident.

We should think, particularly at this time, of the family and friends of Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper, whose death was reported in the Hereford Times on January 28.

Over the course of more than a century, SSAFA has adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs of our armed forces.

Founded in 1885 to support the troops and families of the second expeditionary force to Egypt, the charity’s work is just as relevant today as it was then.

As the number of fatalities and serious injuries sustained in Afghanistan continues to rise, SSAFA’s family support groups are playing a vital role in helping relatives come to terms with loss and life-changing injuries.

Our two Norton Homes allow injured troops to spend time with their loved ones away from the hospital environment, giving them the opportunity to do normal family things such as eat a meal together or simply watch a film.

And each year our network of trained volunteers assists 50,000 people ranging from Second World War veterans and National Servicemen to members of the Territorial Army.

You can help us to continue to provide this vital support to our servicemen and women past and present.

To mark our 125th anniversary we are launching Target 125 and asking everyone to ‘Be a Hero’ and raise £125 for SSAFA Forces Help in 2010.

Whether you can run 5km, swim a mile, parachute from 12,000ft, do a sponsored silence or sit in a bath of baked beans, every contribution will help us to meet our pledge to support our troops and their families, now and for the rest of their lives.

To find out more, visit ssafa125.org.uk or call 020 7463 9373.