It is a time of joy and laughter for most people, but the Christmas period can be one that is led by loneliness and sadness for many people who have been injured in the line of duty. For this reason, this time of year is one in which military charities make one last push for funds and donations that can really make a difference to someone's Christmas. 

We take a look at some of the best military charity drives taking place throughout this month. 

Veteran's Christmas joy

A visually impaired former soldier has spoken of his delight at the fact he will be able to spend Christmas with fellow veterans and a military charity this Christmas. 

George Connolly, from Prescot, Merseyside, will be spending Christmas Day with Blind Veterans UK, an organisation that offers assistance for life to those former service personnel who have vision problems. 

George, who lost his sight as a result of diabetes complications, joined the army at the age of just 17 and was in the Royal Ulster Rifles, serving in Germany. 

He said: "My sight started to go about 12 years ago and it's got progressively worse. Losing my sight was horrendous, it's a horrible feeling, but Blind Veterans UK has been wonderful in helping me to come to terms with my sight loss."

He has been receiving support from the charity for some time, but this year will be given the chance to spend Christmas with people who are in the same boat as himself, following the death of his wife last year. 

Christmas painting auction

A painting of one of the most iconic scenes of the First World War will be going up for auction this year as a way to raise funds for a military charity, it has been revealed. 

Military artist David Thorpe is auctioning off a painting of the famous truce during World War One. In the famous incident at Christmas in 1914, members of Cheshire regiments met with German soldiers in no man's land between the trenches in order to exchange gifts and play a game of football. 

Now, the money raised from the painting of the very poignant moment will be handed to military charities as a way to mark 100 years since the truces of the World War.

Commemorative football game

Speaking of the 1914 truce, two football sides in the UK have marked the 100 year anniversary of the famous match between opposing soldiers with a game to raise money for charities.

The Avenue Stadium in Dorchester was host to the match that was contested between Dorchester Town Football Club and a side that was provided by Dorset Army as players paid tribute to the troops who played 100 years before. 

The event saw more than £1,000 raised for military charities, while a raffle that was held on the night also saw more than £100 added to this total, with more than 1,000 people in attendance to enjoy the evening, which included a service as well as the game itself. ADNFCR-2867-ID-801767203-ADNFCR

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