Hall of fame
Meet some of the inspirational people that have made a difference and raised vital money for The Soldiers’ Charity.
Want to see your name on our website?
You know what to do!
(and our fundraising pack can help!)
Lighthouse Romp 2010
County Down, Northern Ireland
30 October 2010
Rob Baxter, a former member of 3 R IRISH took part in an extraordinary personal challenge in order to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
“Lighthouse Romp” was Rob’s light hearted name for a two mile sponsored swim across open seas from Cranfield Beach near Kil. Well done Rob.
Before…
Hair on fire
Eddy ‘The Mullet’ Mason bravely volunteered to have his hair cut for the first time in 16 years in support of the lads he trains, as a civilian instructor at SEME Bordon, before they go out on operations in Afghanistan.
There have been some casualties among them and he wanted to do something to show his respect for their bravery and commitment.
...and after.
Sponsor Eddy and help make the big cut worthwhile
Double whammy
A week after wining the Caledonian Challenge for the second time in a row this brave supporter ran the entire length of the West Highland Way, raising nearly £2,000.
The West Highland Way ends at the top of Ben Nevis!
What is more he did the West Highland Way in 26 hours – non-stop!
Airborne Trek for Joe 2010
Oosterbeek, Arnhem, Netherlands
3 – 6 Sep 2010
Star fundraiser Mike Vallence continued his superhuman fundraising efforts with the 64th Airborne March in Oosterbeek.
The March was part of Mike’s challenge to ”walk slightly insane distances” to raise money for The Soldiers’ Charity in memory of Private Joe Whittaker who was tragically killed in Afghanistan at the age of just 20.
He gathered together a fantastic team of walk stalwarts and newcomers, all with the common goal of undertaking a fourfold mission:
- Honouring the memory of Private Joe Whittaker.
- Commemorating the anniversary of Operation Market Garden.
- Helping to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and other military charities.
- Having a thoroughly good time!
The team put together a fascinating account of the Trek, along with history and images of the WW2 Operation Market Garden Click here to read it now.
Sponsor Mike now!
Light as a Land Rover
Thorney Island, Essex
25 July 2010
Mission Accomplished! The Fleur-De-Lys under 10’s ‘B’ football team pulled an Army Land Rover for over a mile along an air-strip in support of The Soldiers’ Charity.
The team chose to raise money for soldiers after a Bootcamp weekend where members of the British Army came down to help the lads shape up for the football season ahead.
Dads were also on the Bootcamp and got involved by running alongside their sons taking it in turns to carry a steel framed stretcher designed to simulate the weight of a fully laden battlefield casualty.
Read the full story of the challenge.
Sponsor the team
Scenic spinning
Cork to Kerry, Ireland
Keith and Jo Pegram took part in the 2010 charity Cork to Kerry cycle ride to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Arriving off the ferry at Cork they set off along the south coast of Ireland unfortunately straight into a westerly wind which was to be with them or against them for the whole ride.
The journey from Cork to the Ring of Kerry is extremely scenic so Keith and Jo were always driven on by the promise of a beautiful view just around the corner; the Ring of Kerry in particular with its dramatic mountains rising from the coastline.
Keith and Jo crossed the ring of Kerry from South to North and then again from East to West which included several high passes across the mountains.
The last day was a ride over Molls Gap and down into Kenmare where they were loaded up onto vehicles for their return journey to Cork and the ferry back to Swansea.
Both Army and civilian staff at RSMS and in the units at Hermitage Station provided sponsorship which raised £400 from this ride.
The Forces Windsurfing Challenge
Around the Isle of Wight
13 – 19 September 2010
The Isle of Wight may have a circumference of 58 miles but to combat strong tides and wind directions the team had to have to cover 100 miles of ground, or should we say water.
The inspiration came from Rifleman Craig Wood, a keen windsurfer, who is a triple amputee following injuries sustained in Afghanistan when he was just 18 years old. His ambition to windsurf again inspired the Forces windsurfing community to help raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and other vital forces charities.
Read more about the challenge and of course it is not too late to donate
Paras' 10
Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire
12 September 2010
Roy Parkinson at BAE bravely took on the Paras’ 10 – a tough ten mile endurance run.
The course is an active military training area used to prepare troops and vehicles for operations across the world. The race will follow the same route as the Parachute Regiments ‘P’ Company Selection Ten Mile March Route.
See more about the Paras’ 10
Ex Commando Ride
John O’Groats to Land’s End
3 to 11 September 2010
Six Army Commando’s from 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers cycled 943 miles from John O’ Groats to Lands End via two major military monuments; the New National Military Monument Arboretum and the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Most would ride the direct route, but not these guys! The team spent nine days in the saddle.
Cpl Ross Austin, who was injured in Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of one limb and a lower limb amputation on the other leg joined the team for part of the ride. This was an incredible personal challenge for Cpl Austin.
In their own words “Having known many injured personnel and unfortunately soldiers killed in action, all donations are greatly appreciated so please if you see one of the soldiers and you would like to support us then be assured that every penny will go directly to casualties rehabilitation and support to their families from conflicts stretching back to WW2”