A BARRY Nan is deeply worried about her teenage grandson who has been sent to fight in the Gulf - just months after his mother died.

Bonnie Bellamy of Coldbrook Road East is angry that 19-year-old Gareth Jones is on the frontline despite losing his mum Michelle Lane in December.

Michelle, who worked at Barry Eye Centre and was a Marie Curie Hospice volunteer, died of a brain haemorrhage just two days before her 41st birthday.

Now her 62-year-old mother, who is still coming to terms with her death, has to cope with the worry of her precious grandson being sent to Iraq.

Gareth, who lives with his nan, is a member of the Queen's Dragoon Guards.

Widow Bonnie told the News: "I am very angry that my grandson had to go. He lost his mother in December and is only 19. He has a nine-year-old sister, Lois who sends him things."

The Ty Hafan volunteer added: "I am terribly worried about him and hope he will come home safe."

Bonnie and many other relatives of soldiers throughout the Vale often feel isolated when their loved ones are sent to war.

But they can turn to the Gulf War Support Group, set up by Bonnie's neighbour Claire Ryan.

She has set up the project from the Sully Scope Centre at Hayes Road. It aims to send troops from the Vale parcels of essentials and goodies to cheer them up.

Claire of Arno Road started a similar project during the first Gulf War 12 years ago.

She told the News: "The main aim, as before, is to send a bit of home over to the soldiers.

"This time around I have been backed by my employers Scope.

They have kindly agreed to support the project. I also feel personally involved because my cousin is in the war."

The 42-year-old added: "Last time we raised £3,000 and managed to give the returning soldiers a £50 cheque.

There were 4,000 parcels sent to the Gulf. But we don't only send letters we send toothpaste, tinned food, dried food and other essentials like socks.

Also we are giving families support at a time when they need it most."

Anyone who wants help from the Gulf War Support Group is asked to contact Sully Scope skills centre on Hayes Road 01446 733418.