Gemma waits (From Barry And District News)

Gemma waits

A BARRY hairdresser is sitting home alone for a very special anniversary, while her boyfriend fights in the Gulf.

Twenty-one-year-old Gemma Wheatley has been with partner Jamie Sinnett, 22 for a year this month.

But she hasn't heard from him since communications ceased last month.

The St Mary's Avenue resident told the News: "I was quite lucky, really. I got a phone call from him on March 11, the day contact stopped.

They have satellite phones, and he called to see how I was.

He went to get another card, but when he called back, he said it had to be quick because the phone lines were going down."

Now Gemma will be celebrating their first anniversary alone.

She said: "We'll have been together for one year this month.

I think the worse thing is not knowing where he is, especially with all these 'friendly fire' incidents."

Jamie, 22, is in the Royal Marines. Sent first to Kuwait, after the conflict started, Gemma has no idea where he went next.

She added: "Jamie was not allowed to say anything about his location.

I can only assume he was near the front line, because if he started saying anything about where he was, the line would be cut off."

Glad of her close circle of friends, Gemma is trying hard not to dwell on the war.

She added: "There are about seven or eight of us who have been friends for years. They've been great.

"But when I am in the house, I tend to scrutinise the news to catch a glimpse of him.

He's involved in motor transport, and I thought I saw him last week, but I can't be sure.

"His sergeant sent a letter to his father, Michael, saying Jamie was OK.

But apart from that, I haven't heard a thing.

I just want him home."

If you have got a loved one fighting in the Gulf, please contact the News with your story.