False - Send Christmas Cards for Recovering Soldiers to Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Outline
Circulating messages claims that people can send Christmas cards to recovering soldiers in the UK via the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.



Brief Analysis
The information in the message is incorrect. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital does not have such a program operating and has asked that people show their support in alternative ways. In fact, the message is a UK version of another incorrect "Cards for Recovering Soldiers" message that has circulated in the United States for several years. Please review the Detailed Analysis below for more information.

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Last updated: 17th November 2011
First published: 17th November 2011
Article written by Brett M. Christensen
About Brett Christensen and Hoax-Slayer

Example


Detailed Analysis
This message, which is circulating via social media websites and email, claims that people can show their support for recovering soldiers in the UK by sending them Christmas cards via the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.The message claims that the cards should be sent to "A Recovering Soldier" and includes a mailing address for the hospital.

However, while the message was probably well-intentioned, it contains incorrect information. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is not operating such a program at this time and has asked that people do not send cards to the specified address. The hospital has issued the following statement about the message on its Facebook Page:

Dear All

We are aware that there is a viral email circulating asking people to send Christmas cards to "A Recovering Soldier, c/o Queen Elizabeth Hospital".

Whilst it is very kind of people to think of the soldiers at Christmas time, this is not something we have started and we would be grateful if people don't send cards and if they could repost this to their friends and families.

The resulting well intentioned mail will cause delays in our postal system, meaning important personal mail from loved ones and friends is often delayed.

If you would like to show your support for our wounded soldiers, you could buy some of our Christmas cards at the online shop - www.qehb.org/shop and the money will go to supporting the guys throughout the year.

If you want to buy a present, we are always very grateful for Amazon or iTunes vouchers but we would please ask people not to send parcels. Vouchers can be sent to our offices at QEHB Charity, 5th Floor Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TH.

Thank you to everyone for all your kind thoughts and support.

Mike Hammond
QEHB Charity

In fact, the message is apparently a UK based version of a long-running US Recovering Soldier email forward. The US version also contains incorrect address information.



References
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity
Christmas Cards for Recovering American Soldiers

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Last updated: 17th November 2011
First published: 17th November 2011
Article written by Brett M. Christensen
About Brett Christensen and Hoax-Slayer