ONE of the UK’s oldest military charities is celebrating its birthday in Oxford this weekend.

On Saturday, Christ Church Cathedral will be packed out to celebrate 125 years of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman’s and Families Association (SSAFA).

SSAFA gives care to any serviceman who has received even one day’s service pay, and their families.

It runs Norton Homes, who provide accommodation near hospitals for the families of injured servicemen, and provide health and social care at most overseas bases.

Fundraising manager Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Lawrence said: “The charity provide an irreplaceable service for men in the army.

“We provide urgent care where bureaucracy might take a long time. For example, if a man is discharged on a Friday and desperately needs some money to get through the weekend we can be there urgently to get him the help he needs.”

The SSAFA Oxfordshire office fields several calls from current and former servicemen in the county every day.

The charity has a total of seven divisions operating with a total of 42 trained and volunteer caseworkers.

Lt Col Lawrence added: “We rely heavily on public fundraising, so aim to raise £10,000 every year. This year, we’ve raised more than £16,000 already.”

The concert on Saturday will feature Christmas music from the Band of the Irish Guards and a special performance from soloist soprano Emilia Pountney.

There will also be a talk from Lt Charles Winstanley, an officer of The Rifles, on his recent service in Afghanistan.

Lt Col Lawrence said: “There should also be around 100 people in uniform, and all former servicemen and women will be wearing their medals.

“Representatives from RAF Benson and Brize Norton, as well as the Bicester Garrison and Abingdon Royal Logistic Corps will be attending.

“There will also be a presence from local cadets and members of the Oxford University Officer Training Corps.”

The concert will be the first SSAFA event at the cathedral, and more than 500 people are expected to attend.

Lt Col Lawrence added: “With splashes of navy blue, khaki and all the military colours, the cathedral should look fantastic.

“When you ask military people about charity, the first thing they think of is SSAFA and the care they give, so this is a very good cause.”

Oxfordshire branch secretary Mike Mogridge said: “Our Christ Church concert is vital to our fundraising activity and those attending will not only experience a wonderful prelude to Christmas, but will be giving support to our Armed Forces in a very real way.”

Tickets cost £12.50 for general seats and £25 for seats in the nave. They are available from ticketlineuk.com or from 02920 230130. Doors open at 7.15pm for an 8pm start