A LIFELINE has been thrown to an organisation that helps ex-servicemen and women in their hour of need.

A dozen people have come forward with offers to help the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association after an appeal for volunteers was made in the Daily Echo.

Charity bosses feared they would be forced to fold because volunteer numbers plummeted so low. Now, just days before celebrations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the vital fund which helps those who were there has been saved.

However, organisers have warned that they still need more volunteers.

Anthea Wilkinson, administrator at SSAFA's offices in Millbrook, Southampton, said: "We've been delighted with the response. It's absolutely marvellous.

"Nine people have applied directly to us and we will be interviewing them soon. Some of them sound tremendously suitable, and we have sent one applicant to Portsmouth and he's being interviewed there today.

"We did also have a donation from a couple who said they couldn't help, but had read the story in the Daily Echo and wanted to do something.

"However, there's always room for more. One case can take many hours to sort out."

Royal Navy veteran John Whitbread, 72, is one of the many people helped by the SSAFA. He was horrified that the organisation could have gone under.

Today a delighted Mr Whitbread, of Paynes Road, Freemantle, said: "It's very good news. Thank you very much to everyone who came forward. We appreciate everything the Daily Echo has done."

More than 200 Army, Royal Navy and RAF veterans and war widows approach SSAFA for help every year.

They are people desperately needing financial support to buy a new fridge, more furniture or money to visit a sick relative in hospital.

The organisation targets service charities and other sources of funding to find £100,000 a year to hand out.

In Southampton, SSAFA was limping by with just 15 volunteers - mostly in their 70s or 80s - until now.

Jan Barrett, from Bitterne, was one of those who e-mailed the Daily Echo after reading about the plight of SSAFA.

She said: "I know of the great work SSAFA do, and what better way to honour the memory of those who fought for us than doing something practical to help. It beats buying a poppy.".

Mrs Wilkinson added: "Even for a volunteer to give three or four hours a month makes a big difference, especially if there are a lot of helpers."

To volunteer, contact SSAFA by writing to Tim Wood or Bryan Wilson at Blighmont TA Centre, Millbrook Road West, Southampton SO15 0AJ. Alternatively, call them on Tuesday or Thursday mornings on 023 8077 0640.