SOLDIER RIDE RETURN TO STATES

The Soldier Ride returned last night from France having had a fantastic trip.  They went on to Heathrow this afternoon and flew back to the States.  It was a huge success and we much enjoyed organizing the event. This photo taken on Wednesday evening in Winfield House the residence of the American Ambassador, Mr Louis Susman.  We raise money for the charity to help a  55 Year old former Gurkha Sgt with 18 years service settled in UK two years ago. He bought a bungalow and settled quickly into the community. Last year his wife was diagnosed with cancer and she died within 10 days. – He is now employed by MPGS as a security guard he is struggling financially to bring up his 2 children one of who is training to be a nurse and the other seeking to join the Gurkhas. His boiler has just expired and he cannot afford to pay for its replacement a grant of £1500 has ensured that he is able to heat the house this winter.

WELL DONE ANDY and DAVE

Here they are with their battle wagon. One might ask why do they and others fundraise for The Soldiers' Charity. Sgt V is a serving RA SNCO – in 2010 he was blown up by an IED and suffered back injury and brain damage. He has proved to be tenacious and determined to get himself back to full fitness. Last month his wife suffered a miscarriage at the 22 week point. The whole family is devasted and struggling to come to terms with the loss. AWS have recommended a short holiday and we have made an immediate grant of £1399 to pay for the family to go to Centreparcs at Longleat for a week. Thats why they do.

SUNSHINE BANG

Andy North and his team did brilliantly well by getting to Gibraltar and he was rewarded by being allowed to fire the "Minute Gun". Andy and Dave Edwards completed Sunshine Challenge (2000 miles, running 25 Marathons, 1500 miles cycling and 26 miles in kayak (across the English channel) yesterday. Funds raised on Just Giving so far is £19.5K. This is so worthwhile, a great story.