Notts County are joining forces with all 72 Football League Clubs in a united week of action to raise awareness and vital funds for Help for Heroes - The Football League's Official Charity Partner for the 2009/10 season.

After chatting with former Magpies striker Phil Stant it seemed fitting to speak to a Notts fan that is still based in Afghanistan.

Dougie Pullen, 59, has been in the Army for 30 years, serving in the Falklands, Kosovo, Bosnia, the Oman, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as supporting the Royal Marines on pre-deployment exercise well inside the Arctic Circle, in Norway.

Having retired last year, he now works for a civilian organisation called ES-KO International, which specialises in providing logistical and infrastructure support to NATO and UN troops across the globe.

This has recently brought him back to Afghanistan, where he is well aware of the hard work being carried out.

He explained: "The girls and boys serving on operational duty here in Afghanistan are doing a tremendous job.

"They are working with a professionalism and selflessness that is all too rare these days.

"Anyone who sees them at work, or truly understands what that work means not just to the Afghan people, but to the wider free world, cannot fail to be in awe of them.

"And it helps the troops, more than anyone can imagine, knowing that their country is indeed proud of their endeavours, and that the British people are there to support them should they be unfortunate enough to return home broken through Help for Heroes."

Dougie's family are regulars at Meadow Lane and he has many fond memories from his time watching the Magpies in action.

Although his best Notts player at present is Craig Westcarr, Dougie recalls the days of Devon White as his favourite.

He said: "One of my happiest memories is of him scoring against Ascoli in the Anglo-Italian Cup final at Wembley.

"I think that I loved him for the same reason that his manager despaired of him. You just never knew what he was going to do on the pitch!"

Notts fans can donate money to the charity by visiting the club shop, main reception or the Supporters Club office. The total will then be added to the £522 raised at the Fans Forum last week.