Well after several frantic weeks and numerous near nervous breakdowns, the calendar launch finally took place last Tuesday.

It truly was a superb day and will, I'm sure be embedded in our memories for a long time to come.

This is a 'diary - of the day - for those that weren't able to attend, hopefully it will given you a small feel of what a great and productive time we had.

The 'fun' began on the eve of the launch when we arrived at our hotel sometime after midnight to find the skip outside on fire. Just to get a bit more limelight, Scottt, Bill and Nick were already at the hotel and rushed out with fire extinguishers. By the time the fire brigade arrived it was all over but at least we got two lots of men in uniform and a free round of drinks for their efforts!

Early the next morning, well 7.00 am to be precise, the phone began to ring with enquiries from the press and it really didn't stop all day. While Agnes manned the fort at County Buildings, Emma, Becky, Sammi and myself set off to collect Nell from the airport. It really was travelling in style with champagne on ice, flowers in abundance and Andrew as our wonderful chauffeur!

As soon as Nell walked down the corridor and greeted everyone we knew she would make the day for us. The girls presented her with a posy of flowers and we were whisked away back to the limo for the journey back to Ayr. As we popped the champagne, Nell told us all about her work for the troops and her recent visit to Iraq where she met 2,500 lads and lassies in just two days! She is so dedicated to this work and obviously really enjoys her forces' sweetheart role.

An hour and several signed calendars later, we pulled up at County Buildings and were delighted to see the press there in force. All our fears that they would not take an interest were put to rest as Nell was hijacked along with the lads and cameras clicked away!

These are just a few of the shots that were taken, Nick, Scott, Bill and Tommy, and rather surprisingly for him, our Royal Navy representative for the day Chief Petty Officer Paul Harrison certainly got 'close' to the action!

Eventually Agnes managed to get us all in the building and the 'official' proceedings began. Heather had stayed up very late putting the final touches to her wonderful power point presentation which detailed how SOS began, what we'd tried to do, and what we hoped to do next (next??!!).

Despite not having had chance to rehearse Agnes and I talked together through this without too many (noticeable) hiccups and then, to the sound of more champagne corks popping, Nell pushed the magic button and the Gulf Heroes Calendar 2004 was officially launched!

Very unexpectedly, Nick's commanding officer Lt Col Nigel Jefferson stood and thanked the SOS team, which was a marvelous gesture and one we really appreciated. To know that we have this support is a real boost.

So official duties over, we were finally able to chat with our guests and really were overwhelmed by the effort that had been made by people to be there.

Lyn Gannon, PA to Chief Executive and Charge Chief Ian Stoney of the RNBT

Wing Commander John Pearce, Assistant Director Public Affairs, RAFBF (John pulled the short straw and got me instead of Nell!).

Lt Col Nigel Jefferson, 12 Reg't Royal Artillery

RSM Edwards, 12 Reg't Royal Artillery

Julie Templeton, Forces Penpals, our November sponsor

Provost Gordon McKenzie

Nell continued with the photos, the signings, the interviews all afternoon and had a special smile and word for everyone.

As the day drew to a close, we walked across to the cenotaph to release 50 yellow balloons, one for each of the servicemen who had lost their lives during the conflict. This was still covered with wreaths and flowers to the memory of Major Kitchener which was a very moving sight.

Lt Col Jefferson very kindly said a few words and a minutes silence was held. Totally on their own accord, Nick, Scott, Bill and Tommy stood on the cenotaph, and saluted as the balloons were released. I don't think there was a dry eye to be seen.

And so, the launch complete Nell said her goodbyes and we waved her off to the airport. She left us with only good memories and we really can't thank her enough.

And so on to the thank yous. I won't apologise for these, without the help and support of the people concerned we would never have achieved what has been achieved.

Thank you...

...to EVERYONE who attended the launch, many traveling hundreds of miles.

...to ALL our sponsors, for their very kind generosity

...to ALL those who appear in the calendar and once again gave their time to benefit others

...to Coltec Parker printers Keighley for a wonderful job in a very tight schedule!

...to Agnes and Heather, for all the hard work they put in making the launch such a success

...to Nell - of course, you are a star!

...to ALL the papers, tv and radio stations who provided coverage on the day

...to Emma just for being there

And to anyone else who I may have forgotten but would never have done so intentionally!

So we made it!

Click here to see press clippings

Just 4, 150 calendars still to go but we're very hopeful that these will sell quickly and that our target will be reached. Maybe we could hold another party then...

On a final and very personal note, my daughters asked if they could make a speech at the launch and I said no, it wouldn't be a good idea. They have been brilliant all (well most of) the time and certainly I think there's been more time spent on SOS than on them just recently.

That evening I found their 'speeches' and really wished that I had let them say just these few words. This is what they wrote:

"At first I was annoyed with my mum as she was spending most of her time at the computer and I didn't think that she was interested in me. But then slowly I started to realize how much work and effort she was putting in doing this and how much it has helped people. Whilst Nicky was fighting we were all very worried and upset about it. He is now home safe and well. He was the reason mum did the charity. She realized she wasn't the only person worried so she decided to set up a campaign to help them and it worked!! We have spent a lot of time wrapping parcels and things but it was well worth it. So I just want to say that I'm really glad it had been successful and last but not least I'd like to say thank you to Agnes, Heather, Emma and my mum for all the hard work they've put into it."

Becky

"I'm Sammi, Karen's daughter. I'd just like to say a special thank you to every one for coming and to Agnes, Heather, Emma, Nell and definitely my mum for making this a brilliant campaign"

Sammi

Thank you girls.

I'll try now and concentrate on my duties as a mother a little bit better as none of them look very happy do they!

Until the next update.

Karen :)x