In a special Christmas edition of our General Talk podcast, host Harry Bucknall chats to our ambassadors, Brenda Hale OBE, and her daughter Alix.
Together they share memories of Captain Mark Hale, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, and their experience of Army Christmases from a family perspective. Brenda recounts the difficulties that followed her late husband’s death and how the Army Benevolent Fund stepped in to ensure the continuity of Alix’ s education at a time of great turmoil for the family. She also reflects on her advocacy for war widows and her efforts to implement the military covenant in Northern Ireland.
Alix praises her mum’s Christmas roast potatoes – which prompts Brenda to reveal the Hale secret recipe. Alix also highlights the joy her father brought to Christmas celebrations, a legacy the family continues to honour.
We are so grateful to both Alix and Brenda for taking part in this podcast, and to Alix for sharing her story in the Telegraph for its Christmas Charity Appeal.
The Army Benevolent Fund is one of 4 charities supported by the Telegraph’s Appeal this year.