NO-ONE could fail to have been moved by the images and stories beamed into our homes from Dunkirk over the past weeks.

Men of oak reduced to vulnerable looking pensioners as they recounted tales of heroism and horror in equal measure, memories long buried but now retold with pinpoint accuracy.

The significance of those few days, all those years ago, is summed up quite simply with a phrase which has come to epitomise British fortitude in the face of adversity – the Dunkirk spirit.

To underpin the enormity of that time, I think it's worth putting into cold print a few bald facts. Hundreds of small vessels crossed the Channel between May 26 and June 4, 1940.

In all, a total of 558,000 men were brought back from the French coast during a three-week period which also saw 60,000 casualities and one million Allied troops taken prisoner.

Many of those who fought so bravely all those years ago, might now need assistance themselves.

At the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help, we've been supporting members of the armed forces and their families for more than a century – in fact we’re celebrating our 125th anniversary this year.

From the Second World War veteran with mobility problems, to the young marine seriously wounded in Afghanistan, we believe that the bravery, dedication and loyalty of our servicemen and women deserves a lifetime of support.

SSAFA offers practical, financial and emotional support.

This can range from home adaptations and mobility vehicles for ther elderly and disabled to helping those who find themselves in financial difficulty or giving aid to those who are lonely, ill or bereaved.

If you think SSAFA can help you or someone you know, please contact 01432 273932 or 07926 774148 or visit ssafa.org.uk.

JOHN TOOLAN, Media Relations Officer, SSAFA Forces Help, Hereford