Barrow Soldier ‘I miss my family, friends and football’
Last updated at 16:38, Thursday, 27 December 2012
A DIE-HARD Barrow AFC fan serving in Afghanistan has sent a heartfelt Christmas and new year message to friends and family.
Chris Altree spent Christmas Day at Camp Bastion, where he has been stationed for almost two months.
The 25-year-old, who serves with the Royal Corps of Signals, will not return home to Barrow until February, when he will get two weeks’ leave before returning to Helmand until mid-summer.
When at home, Mr Altree watches the Bluebirds home and away and follows the team’s fortunes in Afghanistan by checking the Evening Mail website and reading newspaper cuttings sent by his nana.
He will be paying close attention to the big FA Cup second round replay at Macclesfield on Saturday when the teams play for the right to host Cardiff City in the third round.
Speaking from his base, Mr Altree said: “I wish all my family and friends the happiest of Christmases and new years and hope they have a drink for me.
“To all my friends, I hope the football does well. Have a good Christmas, drink lots of beer and think of me.
“When you go to Macclesfield, make sure you all do ‘the Altree’, which is a dance I do when I’ve had a drink. In a way, I’ll be gutted if they do get through because I’ll miss it.
“But if it had been Manchester United at Old Trafford I would’ve been devastated. I would’ve been the most depressed man in Bastion!”
Mr Altree, of Middle Cliff, Ormsgill, who served in the Falklands for six months last year, is making his first tour of Afghanistan, having joined the army in 2008.
The politics and history graduate was due to attend a Christmas Eve carol service and open presents sent by mum Maureen and nana, Rita McCarthy.
He said: “I’ll probably miss home a lot on Christmas Day because it’s my first Christmas not being at home, but you just get used to it.
“It doesn’t feel as Christmassy, but you still get Christmas dinner on Christmas Day with sprouts!
“You have some days when you feel sad and miss home, but most of the time everybody just gets on with it.
“You tend to get close. You live with each other, wash, sleep, eat and work with them. This is the only time with yourself when you use the phone and internet.”
First published at 16:34, Monday, 24 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Thinking of you over the festive season Chris! Merry christmas Bud,Fingers crossed for a victory at Macclesfield.I Know that would bring a huge smile to your face.Its a big mountain to climb but cardiff should drive the boy's onward and upward Barrow it's the only way now!!
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Well done alty lad, proud of you. Keep up the good work. And at least you don't have to watch the terrible performances by bayliss and his team.
Posted by Cuffy on 28 December 2012 at 01:49