FUNDRAISING soldier Douglas Icke has a problem. He is stationed in Iraq where he has been since February -- and that has brought a halt to his efforts to raise £2,500 to fund a charity trip to China.

He is planning to raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society by taking part in a challenging, sponsored trek in China later this year.

But first he needs to raise the funds to get him there. So Staff Sergeant Icke has written to the Bolton Evening News to ask readers to help. Writing from Umm Qasr, which was the scene of some of the bloody battles of the war, he said: "My fundraising has suffered due to being deployed here since February. Would it be possible if readers could help me out? The event is in September and the deadline is creeping closer.

"I hope I don't sound cheeky, it is just that I want to raise funds for deaf children and feel frustrated at not being able to do it because I am in Iraq."

His mum Sandra, who lives at Brackley Street, Walkden, said: "It is typical of Douglas. He has already done a cycle ride in Mexico and a trip to Peru to help the charity. He raises money by organising events, including car boot sales."

A former pupil of Walkden High School, Douglas joined the junior army at 16 before making a career in the service. He is usually stationed in York and has served in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Mrs Icke said she had been worried about her son going to Iraq. But she added: "I think it was right that they went. As a mother I had to balance my feelings."

Douglas, a father of two, is in charge of 100 men in the Royal Signals. Mrs Icke, who has another son, Danny, aged 25, said Douglas has always been considerate.

"When they were in Kosovo they lived in a large garage. Douglas managed to get bits of furniture and made it more like a home. At Christmas he put up Christmas cards for them."

Anyone who wants to help should sent cheques made out to the National Deaf Children's Society, to him at S Sgt D K Icke, J F Logc Signal Squadron, Umm Qasr, Op Telic, BFPO 643.