0:00:09 > 0:00:12No, you don't need to change channel
0:00:12 > 0:00:14or go and make a cup of tea.
0:00:14 > 0:00:15This isn't a regular
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Party Political Broadcast.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18The normal broadcast
0:00:18 > 0:00:20would involve someone like me,
0:00:20 > 0:00:23telling you about our conference on Friday and Saturday
0:00:23 > 0:00:26and outlining some of our policies, such as...
0:00:26 > 0:00:28More jobs for Northern Ireland.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Lower rates for businesses and homeowners.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Tougher sentences for attacking the elderly.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34Better schools.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38Whilst these are good policies, they are not our focus tonight.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42This evening, we'll forgo party politics.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46We want to use this time to make an appeal not for the DUP,
0:00:46 > 0:00:47but for others -
0:00:47 > 0:00:50our brave servicemen and women and their families.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54At present over 8,000 members of our Armed Forces
0:00:54 > 0:00:57are fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58These are young lives.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Far away from their families and facing each day with uncertainty.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Some soldiers pay the supreme sacrifice.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11To date, we have lost over 385 soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15One of them was my husband, Captain Mark James Hale.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Only a few weeks ago our nation came together
0:01:18 > 0:01:21to remember those such as Captain Mark Hale.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25They gave their last full measure of devotion, abroad and at home,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28so that we can enjoy peace and democracy.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31There were people of all faiths and none.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33That is why, regardless of our views on war,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36we should always welcome our boys home.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38While some gave their lives,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41others came home early with life-changing injuries.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43These horrific injuries mean
0:01:43 > 0:01:45their homes need adapted.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Others have to learn to walk again.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50You may ask, what can I do?
0:01:50 > 0:01:54First of all, like everyone participating in this broadcast,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56you can donate some of your time or money.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59But there are many organisations,
0:01:59 > 0:02:00charities and volunteers
0:02:00 > 0:02:04striving to help our Armed Forces in a host of ways.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Some help former soldiers adjust to civilian life,
0:02:07 > 0:02:12others provide a friendly visit to families who have lost a loved one.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15For those soldiers who are serving away from home this Christmas,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18there are dozens of organisations
0:02:18 > 0:02:20who send out a small gift to each soldier.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24These are small measures which make a massive difference.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27So tonight, I don't ask for your vote.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Instead, I ask that you give whatever support you can
0:02:31 > 0:02:33to those who have given so much.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Whether it is your time or money,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38please support an organisation of your choice
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and help our soldiers, our veterans and their families.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Please support our soldiers' charities.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47To find an organisation near you, search online
0:02:47 > 0:02:50or visit your nearest DUP advice centre.