Mark Doyle

We all mourn the loss of Hollywood great Robert Redford this week, but do you know the real-life landmine tragedy behind the Second World War blockbuster he starred in, A Bridge Too Far? The film depicts the Battle of Arnhem, which took place 81 years ago this weekend. Redford plays an officer in the Anglo-American Airborne Corps fighting to take a series of bridges along the Rhine in Nazi-occupied Holland. But the Nazis forced the Allies into a defensive pocket in the Arnhem suburb of Oosterbeek, where a family home was used as a field hospital for British military casualties. The house that was used as the field hospital – both in real life and in the film – belonged to the Ter Horst family. They knew only too well about the human cost of war. In 1947, three years after the war ended, their 13-year-old son Piek stepped on a landmine as he played in the garden. He died instantly. Read Mark Doyle’s story on how Piek’s brother and sister can still recall that terrible moment – and how a generous gift in their mother’s will has helped HALO clear landmines around the world since – saving thousands of other children from the fate of her own child. bit.ly/4nyhDoM

Introducing the real-life @Vicky_McClure at HALO: Fiona Kilpatrick!🌟 Just like Vicky’s character in @ITV #TriggerPoint, Fiona’s bravery working with explosives is remarkable. Her story shows the courage and determination needed to build a safer world. bit.ly/3PoBNmF

Huge snowfall has trapped hundreds in Shakardara district near Kabul #Afghanistan. HALO machinery, normally used in minefields, is now clearing snow and avalanches to reopen roads so local villages can access food, water and medical services.

Meet the women of HALO Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, working hard every day to make their communities safe. Self-belief and determination not only help achieve your own goals, but paves the way for other women to do the same. ✊ #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion