Su James nominated for Pride of Australia award for her work sewing quilts for Australian troops

SU James has never been to Afghanistan or Iraq but she is leaving her mark on Australian troops serving in some of the world’s most hostile places.

30/6/2015 For the past almost three years Su James has been making quilts and laundry bags for Australian Defence Force personnel. The items are usually tailor-made to reflect the recipients interests and background. So far she's made about 50 Pic is Su at home at Northfield today with some of her work ...PHOTO DAVE CRONIN

SU James has never been to Afghanistan or Iraq but she is leaving her mark on Australian troops serving in some of the world’s most hostile places.

For almost three years the Northfield resident has been making quilts and laundry bags and sending overseas to serving Australian soldiers.

The 71-year-old stitches and sews patterns onto bedspreads that will give extra comfort from a punishing Afghanistan winter or be pinned on walls and above bedheads as a reminder of home.

“It’s helping all our soldiers and sailors and air force personnel who are out on deployment letting them know we are still thinking of them,” she said.

“I’d made a couple of quilts in the past, I’ve always sewn, always been a sewer but I couldn’t see the point of making something that would be shoved in the cupboard.”

Mrs James, who emigrated from England in 1965, has been nominated for a News Corp Pride of Australia award in the Fair Go category which recognises Australian citizens and permanent residents who were born overseas and have enriched Australia through their community involvement.

Her connection with the defence force is twofold: she came from Aldershot which is ‘home of the British army’ and her daughter has been in the Australian Airforce for 26 years and has toured in Somalia, East Timor and Afghanistan.

It was through her daughter’s connection with the defence force that Mrs James became involved in Aussie Hero Quilts.

She has made about 50-60 quilts and more than 100 laundry bags; most items reflecting the recipients background and interests.

“In all you feel like you are brightening their life,” she said.

“I don’t expect a big thanks or anything like that.”

The Pride of Australia nominations close on July 19.