MESSAGES TO OUR HEROES

LITTLE Emily and James Fitzsimmons will have their presents under the tree as usual this Christmas-but they will NOT open them.

For the sister and brother have vowed to wait until their beloved daddy is back from serving with the Navy.

It will be the first Christmas Ben Fitzsimmons has not been with wife Giselle and their children, aged seven and nine, in Portsmouth.

READ: DEFENCE SECRETARY PAYS TRIBUTE

The family is just one of hundreds who will be separated over the festive season because a loved one is serving with the British Forces.

But the News of the World is publishing the messages we have received for Our Boys and Girls who are serving their country on December 25, to send them some cheer.

Naval chief petty officer Ben, 33, is on HMS Echo, mapping the ocean floor in the Far East.

Giselle, 36, said: "It's the first Christmas I've had that Ben's not been here in ten years. In one respect we've been lucky that we've not had to suffer it before-but in another way it is harder because we're used to him being there.

"We're delaying Christmas, and will have a dinner when he comes home."

Here is the family's message to Ben: We will try and be brave for our first Christmas without you, and you have to be too! Wishing you were home with us, Daddy, and we have told Mummy that we will save our presents till you come home! We love you so, so much. We are so proud of you and miss you much more than we can say. All our love (A & F) James, nine, Emily, seven, Mummy, 36, and Barney the dog, one xxx

Elsewhere, hearing her daddy's voice on the end of a phone will be the best present for youngster Alicia Berry.

Sergeant Simon Berry, 30, recorded himself reading the Three Little Pigs for his 20-month-old daughter before heading to Iraq to patrol Baghdad International Airport with 5 Rifles.

She loves listsning to the recording, so her mum Pauline reckons Alicia's chat with her dad will make her Christmas. Pauline, 33, who is from Retford, Notts, but currently lives in Paderborn, Germany, said: "It will be like any other day for him to be honest.

"But hopefully he'll be able to get to a phone on the day and Alicia will love it. I can see it now-her eyes will light up as soon as she hears his voice.

"She's talking a little bit, and is always saying, 'Daddy, Daddy'.

"So she'll scream that when she hears him-and he will love that. Forget all the toys Alicia's going to get from everyone-that will be the best present she will get."

This is Simon's third tour of duty in 12 years. But Pauline said: "Christmas is still going to be hard." The family will be reunited in March-and plan to have a real Christmas together then.

MESSAGE FOR SGT SIMON BERRY: I'd like to say Merry Christmas to my husband, Sgt Simon Berry, serving in Iraq this Christmas with the 5 Rifles. I love you with all my heart, and me and Alicia miss you like crazy and can't wait to be with you as a happy family again. Thank you, Pauline xxxx

MESSAGE FOR CPL STEVEN BLAND: serving in Basra. To Daddy, love you millions and I am looking after my mummy. Can't wait till you come home, love from Adam xxxxx

MESSAGE FOR LCPL LEWIS MOSS: 1PWRR, Serving in Afghanistan. Thinking of you all the time and especially at Christmas. Stay safe, see you soon! From, Mum, Dad, Faith, Randal & Hywel xxxxx

For devoted couple Frances and Colin Butler, this will be the first Christmas they have been apart in 26 years.

Warrant Officer Colin, 46, is on a tour of duty in Lashkar Gah in southern Afghanistan with the Royal Marines- and won't be back until April. For 23 years he was in the Territorial Army so had not had to endure Christmas away from his wife and sons Andrew, now 23, Daniel, 20 and Tom, 17.

Site foreman Colin, from Norwich, has already had to celebrate his birthday away from Frances, 45, in November. She said: "I'm not looking forward to Colin not being here. I've never experienced it before and it will be really hard. There will be an empty space at the table and it will be a lot quieter and less joyous without him.

"He's a typical dad, he likes to have a drink and a laugh at Christmas and he will really be missed-by me and the boys. But he's asked us to have a toast for him.

"We will celebrate when he gets home and give him a proper home- coming."

MESSAGE FOR WO2 COLIN BUTLER: Our first Christmas apart in 26 years of marriage. Wishing you a very peaceful Christmas and New Year. The family will be toasting you on these special days, they all send their love and miss you at home. We're keeping well and hope you are too, and we await your safe return in the spring. With all my love, Frances xxx

MESSAGE FOR RIFLEMAN JAMES GORAL: Have a wonderful Christmas. You will have a place at the table and we will drink to you-your first Christmas away in 18 years. We are so proud of everything you are doing. We look forward to the day when we can hold you in our arms again. Love chatting to you when we can, and you are in our thoughts every second of every day, and I always talk to your photo as I know you are so close. Keep safe, and the beers are on us when you return.

Your room is nearly done and awaiting your return. Love Forever, your Proud Mum, Colin, your brothers, your little sister and your grandparents. Kisses are awaiting xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

MESSAGE FOR CHRIS LANGFORD: 1 PWRR, serving in Afganistan. Happy Christmas, keep safe. Love and miss you lots, Mum and Dad xxxxx

New mum Sharon Pirie will have her own little angel Gabriel to keep her company as she faces her baby's first Christmas away from his dad.

Sharon, 25, gave birth to Gabriel in October, and luckily her soldier fiancé Colin Cutter, 27, was home in Ayr, Scotland.

She said: "It is sad that Colin won't be here but Gabriel is too young to know.

"Next year Gabriel will be more aware of what is going on and excited about Santa and that sort of thing, and we will be a proper family. That thought is getting me through this Christmas." Sharon added: "I've sent Colin a few parcels for Christmas and hopefully I will get to speak to him on Christmas Day if he can get to a phone."

And the family will be celebrating more than just Christmas when he returns from his six-month tour of duty-as Sharon and Colin, from the Royal Electrical Mechanic Engineers, plan to get married then.

MESSAGE FOR COLIN CUTTER: Hi Sexy. We love you loads and are missing you millions- baby is a lil' terror so must take after you -know RnR is a while away but counting down the days 'till we see you. Stay safe, love always, big kisses, Sharon and baby Gabriel.

MESSAGE FOR CPL S BLEASE: in Afghanistan. Merry Christmas matie, sorry you have to listen to Bob's jokes. You keep safe, we're thinking of you, so Merry Christmas. A parcel of goodies is on its way. xxx From Carla, Simon and Jordan Adam.

MESSAGE FOR TPR DODD: in Iraq. I'll be thinking of you all the time while you're away. Have a good Xmas and New Year, stay safe and come home safe to us. Love you with all my heart my fiancé, love Katie xxx. Your Mom, Richard, Dad, Yvette, Nan and granddad send their love too, xx

MESSAGE FOR DARREN EVANS (pictured above): To my wonderful husband W02 Darren Evans (Ev's), serving with 5 Rifles out in Iraq. Just to let you know we miss you like crazy and love you with all our hearts and can't wait for you to come home. Jay says hello and sends big cuddles and kisses. Take care honey, look after yourself and please stay safe. All our love, hugs and kisses always and forever. Lisa and Jay, in Germany. xxxxxxxx.

MESSAGE FOR LCPL CHRIS MORLEY (pictured on far right): serving in Iraq. For Mo Mo . . . Happy December baby. It won't be Christmas until you're back home, on the sofa with me, wine and the duvet! You make me so proud, as do all the lads. Missing you & thinking of you everyday . . . Keep up that gorgeous smile but remember to put your teeth away! Love, Kisses & Snuggles, Ellie Davis (Bells) xxxxxxx

MESSAGE FOR BMBdr PAUL TARPEY: serving with the Royal Artillery in Afghanistan. We are so very proud of you son. Christmas will not be the same without you but our thoughts will be with you. Your nieces Megan Ciara and baby Sinead Rose, love and miss you. Keep strong son and you will soon be home when it will be party time. Happy Days. Love from Mum & Dad in Leeds, your brother Steve and Lucy and Big love from Gran x

MESSAGE FOR ROBERT WILLIAM ADAM: To our dad. Merry Christmas, without question you'd be what we want home and safe. We're thinking of ya, please keep safe and keep your head down. I know we don't say it often but we do miss you so much even though you nag us, you're the best. Love and miss you all the world and back, Dad, big hugs right at ya from your boys Simon and Jordan Adam and Wallace (woof woof) xxx xxx xxx

And it's not just been family back home who have been sending messages-the News of the World's vow to publish all messages has seen a fair few come in from soldiers abroad for loved ones back home:

SGT PATRICK (PADDY) HILL, 45, from St Ives, Cornwall, is based in Lashkar Gah with the Royal Air Force. He said: "This message goes out to my beautiful wife Marion and my three wonderful children Jake, Megan and Katie. I am missing you all greatly. Kids be good for Mum. I will be thinking about you all over Christmas, enjoy the holiday. I will try and enjoy the occasion whilst here in Afghanistan. Look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Love You All, Paddy X"

CPL MARK PEPPERELL, Royal Marines, 35, from Exeter, Devon, said: "Have a great Xmas to my family and friends. See ya soon, Mark."

SIGNALLER GAVIN MILES, 21, of the Army Royal Signals, from Dudley, West Midlands, and based in Lashkar Gah, said: "Loads of love to my sister Sam, everyone have a Happy Christmas and a great New Year!"

And SGT GORDON WOOD, Royal Marines, 46, from Poole, Dorset, said: "Merry Christmas to all my family and my dog Flynny Boy. Love to you all, Gordon X."

MY hubby is serving in Basra this Christmas with the QRH. Love you more than words can say and will be thinking of you day and night-come home safe and soon. Love you always and forever. From Kerri Walling.

TO Christoferrrrrr. Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to you and all your friends out there in Iraq. Hope you're looking after each other! Missing you sooooo much. Mucho Love Samanfaaaaaa xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

AND there were plenty of well-wishers who just wanted to use our newspaper to give thanks to all those serving their country this Christmas. They are published here.

A MERRY Xmas and a Happy New Year to all the guys and girls in Iraq and Afghanistan. You all make me very proud to be British. From Robert A. Mackay, ex Royal Navy.

TO all the Men and Woman who are out there fighting for our country, have a happy and safe Christmas. Good luck, hope to hear from you all soon. Nathan Davies (BRA) (ACF) B Troop Royal Artillery Army Cadet Force.

TO everyone, keep smiling, stay safe and remember (stag on). From Taff Jones, RE as was.

TO all our troops who will be away from their loved ones at Christmas. I would like to let you all know you are appreciated more than you'll ever realise. One day a year in November is not enough for you all to be remembered-present and past soldiers alike-I remember you all everyday in my prayers. God bless and keep safe. Joan Severn, East Midlands.

DEAR British Forces. I am sending this because I understand the importance to receive mail and to know that someone cares. Whichever country this reaches, wherever you may be, stay safe. I pray you make it home and your family understands your sacrifice and the importance of what you do every day. Stay safe, keep moving and you'll be home soon . . . wish I was there fighting with you. L/Cpl Katherine Momcilovich, USMC.

AS one of the members of the Goole Gift Campaign for Heroes, I have been supporting you all since last Christmas and will do so until you all come home. I hope you enjoy the welfare parcels and wish you all a peaceful Christmas and may you all return home very very soon. From Shirley.

THANKS for keeping us safe. God Bless you all and get home safely. From Douglas Gibson.

DEAR friends in the Armed Forces, we'd like to express our sincere gratitude for your devotion to duty. We understand you are making the ultimate sacrifice and we salute you. We ask that you remain safe and hope for your speedy return to our shores. In the meantime, we wish each and every one of you a very safe and Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. We are 100 per cent behind you all. May God bless and keep you all safe so you may return home to your loved ones. Mr and Mrs Molloy, Stockport.

I KNOW it won't necessarily be a merry Christmas or a happy one! So take care everyone and remember that whoever you are, or whatever job you are doing throughout any of the services at Christmas, that loved ones and those who don't even know you are thinking of you. From David Price.

WELL done lads. The fruits of your hard efforts are at last taking shape. Though air support is in short supply, I hope all the Christmas goodies get through via white-knuckle airlines & heli support. God Bless you and yours! From Mick Flours.

TO all the guy and girls out there over the festive period and the lucky ones back home with their families, keep safe and know that all you're doing is valued and appreciated. Keep safe and look after each other and know all our Christmas wishes are with you. Pam Thomson.

I WOULD like to extend my greatest gratitude to the women and men that are serving their country to keep our freedom. I know many of them would like to be home with their families and loved ones this Christmas. May God Bless each and every one of them and may they all come home safe. But most of all may we never forget those that gave their lives to give us this freedom From Dennis B, US Army Vietnam Vet.

HAVE a great Christmas-thanks so much for helping us when we really need you in war. Some day I might be like you but hoping peace to the world. Travis.

MERRY Xmas to you all-come home safe. From Ken.

WISHING you all a safe Christmas. Tom.

KEEP safe lads and lassies! From Geoff Wright.

HAVING served in the RAF and coming from a military family, I have the deepest respect for all of you and the sacrifices you make on a daily basis. Now living abroad, you are the one of the main reasons I am proud to be British. Take care and have a great Christmas. From Andy Speed.

YOU are all probably thinking of us all back home with our families . . . arguing over the turkey, kids breaking their toys after five minutes, and the younger ones getting more enjoyment out of the box the £100 toy came wrapped in! But we are thinking of you lot hanging out together, making the best of it and having a laugh with your mates. Make it a Christmas to tell the grandkids about and count down the days for a safe journey home. We support you, you support each other-and for God's sake, support Liverpool FC! Seriously though, have a good one. From Linda.

IT'S hard being away from the family and in a place where people are trying to kill you. Being ex-Army of 23 years' service and having done my stint in Northern Ireland 1970, I know what it is like. All anybody can say is do your job well, look after each other, come home safe and have a good Xmas wherever you are. From Geordie Carr.

I ADMIRE each and every one of you for the magnificent job you do without fear or favour. My wish for you all is to stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas, and a New Year where you will be back home with family and friends. Keep up the good work. From Jean xxx

GUYS, I think you are brilliant-you don't complain, you just get on with it. Everyone owes you a great debt of gratitude for everything you all do. From Sean.

JUST wanted to say the servicemen and women over in Afghanistan and Iraq are a credit to our nation. You are all in our thoughts and I wish all service personnel overseas as safe and peaceful Christmas as possible and all the very best for 2009. God bless you and your families and thank you for all of your efforts. From Jim Burford.

KEEP up the good hard work. I know you are missing your families and friends but trust me, it'll be worth the wait. Have a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2009-I hope it's a good one for you all. From Terence Mills.

THANK you all. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, thinking of you and hoping you'll be safely home soon. Wendy.

STAY safe and thank you. I will be thinking of you this Christmas and New Year. You may think nobody appreciates what you do, but millions of us do. Stay safe and love to you all. Cara Osbourne.

TO all of you wherever you are, thank you for making the world a safer place. May you be kept safe and return home to your loved ones soon-never stop believing. From Paul and Sue Haynes.

ALL I can really say is a huge thank you to all of you and I hope you come home safely to your families soon. God bless you all. From Julie Brown x

TO every one of you serving at home and away, we're thinking of you at Christmas. Thank you all. From WO2 B GROVES (RE) Retired.

KEEP up all the hard work. I know you're missing family and friends but just think -you will be home soon. Happy Christmas and all the best for 2009. From Amy.

YOU'RE the real heroes. Watch out for each other and come home to your loved ones. Happy Christmas. Mark Knell.

I HOPE you all keep safe wherever you are. We the British public are so proud of you all, hope you come back home very soon, will be thinking of you and your loved ones this Xmas. God bless and we love you all. From Julie.

GOD Bless and a Merry Christmas to you all. Keep safe and thank you for all you are doing. From Joan.

BE safe, keep your head down and believe in each other . . . and come home safely. From Ian Cooper.

ANYONE can have a safe nine to five job but not everyone can do your jobs. You are very brave people and the nation owes you all best of British. From John Phelan.

I'M a German but would just like to say thank you to all the brave British boys! From K Boehm.

YOU guys rock! Have a great Christmas and really celebrate it when you come home! You're true heroes! Susie.

TO all our boy and girls out in Afghanistan and Iraq. Please don't think nobody appreciates what you are doing, because we do. Sending you all love, hugs and kisses and wishing you a safe and quiet Christmas! xxxxxxxxxxxxx From Trish (Leeds)

To everyone serving overseas, good luck and hope you have a great Xmas. Also good luck to Navy lads heading off to Iraq at Xmas. We'll miss you. Keep safe and see you home soon. From Nataile.

GOD bless you and your families, and keep you safe. From Frances.

NO ONE appreciates exactly what you do for each and every one of us. Yes it's your job but thank you. Wishing you all a good Christmas and New Year and a safe arrival back home. From Gemma

TWO rules, guys, and not just for Christmas: 1. Stay safe; 2. Look out for each other. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families. You are doing a great job. From Rob.

THEY don't moan about the job they do, they just get on with it, so let's support the troops while they're out there. They're all heroes and deserve a lot better treatment when they come home. They certainly make me proud to be British! Great job everybody. Kev.

ALL the best lads and girls-keep the faith. Here's to a good Xmas and 2009. Keep safe and stay lucky. From the Wolverhampton Wanderer.

TAKE care, be safe and Merry Christmas! From Clare.

TO my British Brothers In Arms. I have nothing but love, loyalty and respect for you as my fellow guardians of FREEDOM. I am a former veteran of the USN (1981-85) and have served alongside the RN with pride! Let us remember what we and our ancestors have fought for and continue to do so. My thoughts are with all of our vets and their sacrifices. James in Chicago.

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