A WOMAN whose husband was killed in Afghanistan has seen her dream of providing holidays to the children of fallen soldiers move a step closer.

Nikki Scott’s charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers received a �3,500 donation from two Norfolk businesses - King’s Lynn insurance broker Adrian Flux and Norwich-based Uninsured Loss Recovery,

Scotty’s Little Soldiers was formed in August last year following the death of her husband Lee, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand Province in July 2009.

Mrs Scott, of Walpole St Andrew, is hoping to raise �450,000 to provide a trio of holiday homes in seaside resorts across the country to offer families suffering with loss a revitalising break.

As a result of the donation, the total raised by Mrs Scott has grown to more than �70,000.

Mrs Scott said: “When we receive donations such as this one, personally - as a widow - it really touches me because I know the money will really help the children, helping us towards our holiday home target and in providing gifts and days out.

“More than 200 children have lost a parent in Afghanistan alone. I want Scotty’s Little Soldiers to be a positive charity; fun and bright and making the kids smile, because Lee was always playing with the kids and having fun with them.”

Cpl Scott, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was born in Ely and grew up in King’s Lynn. He was just 26 when he died.

To honour her husband and the father of her two children, Kai, seven and Brooke, two, the charity offers special days out and birthday and Christmas gifts for children who have lost a parent in the armed forces.

The charity has already put smiles on the faces of 24 children, ranging in age from one to 14, who have all received a backpack stuffed with goodies and are eligible for special days out.

Mrs Scott said: “I want to make Lee proud of me. I can hear him saying to me all the time ‘Come on Nik, you can do it’.

“I hope that all the fallen heroes will look down and see the people helping their kids and be really proud.”

She also said: “We sent two girls to see JLS and meet them backstage - it’s really nice to know that people care and the kids get treated so well.”

Simon Toop, of Adrian Flux, said: “No one can fail to be touched by the fact that Nikki has turned a terrible tragedy into something wonderfully positive which will touch hundreds of children’s lives. It is a privilege to help Nikki towards her goals.”

Sharon Nurse, operations director for ULR, added: “Through Nikki Scott’s heartbreaking tragedy she has been strong enough to create this amazing charity. We were delighted to have the opportunity to contribute and we wish Nikki and her team the very best of luck.”

• Mrs Scott has secured office space in King’s Lynn and is asking people for donations of office equipment, including computers, printers and photocopiers. The charity is also keen to hear from volunteers willing to donate their time.

Visit scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk or facebook.com/scottyslittlesoldiers or Twitter @CorporalScotty