BRAVE MEN SUCCEED WITH HONOURS

We were all absolutely delighted by the safe arrival on Wednesday of the Row to recovery team in Barbados.  They had had a very trying time but they persevered with the lack of water, broken rudder and just coping with the added challenges of doing this with those so severely injured, but what courage and determination which makes us all feel so humble and feeble.  here is part of Rory's last blog, it is moving stuff. We in ABF the Soldiers' charity are so grateful to them for what they have done our behalf.  Many soldiers will be helped.

We pulled together and found solutions because that is what we do. As soldiers, you find answers, and we managed that throughout this row.

It’s going to be so amazing to see all our friends and family when we get alongside in Port St Charles, as well as all the other crews who have completed this incredible challenge of physical and mental endurance.

The next few days are going to be an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported us and made this row possible.

Hopefully it will also be a chance to hit our target of £1million for service charities.

We have all be on an amazing journey that will stay with us forever. Just like the physical injuries that, in some people’s eyes, define who we are.

But mind will always win over matter, and we have shown that where there is a will to succeed, there is a way.

People have asked me what I have left to achieve. What more can I do after achieving this? The answer? Get married and start a family. I can’t imagine anything could possibly top that.

But right now, five years after my lowest point, it is time to enjoy the moment. Right now, without any shadow of a doubt, it is time for a beer. I think we’ve earned it.

Much love, Rory.

WORKING TOGETHER

Once more the three heads of the three Single Service charities met to confer but this time we had my successor, Major General Martin Rutledge, to see how we operate. Before you ask, I have no idea if he will have a blog! But also we had the Minister, Andrew Robatham who briefed us on areas of joint interest. A most worthwhile gathering which is increasingly leading to better cooperation. Disclaimer The information contained in this communication is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for use by the intended recipient and others authorised to receive it. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in reliance of the information herein is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

BACK AT WATERLOO

The good news is that we are back at Waterloo station with this enormous poster in the old Euro Star terminal.  This is all part of the build up with the Soldier Challenge on 19th May.  Its great to have this sort of publicity for virtually nothing as the terminal will be used as the start and finish points for the Challenge when up to 2000 will go carreering around London.  

ON THEIR WAY AGAIN

The good news is that the Row to Recovery have at last been resupplied with water by the Aurora.  What a relief!  They then had a problem with the rudder, so if it isn't one thing its another.  That's been solved more or less and they are rowing again which is great news.  They are all in remarkable heart and this clip from their web site says it all:
’We’ve just passed through 500 nautical miles to go to Barbados and I cannot tell you how much of a lift that has given to all of us. I also really want to say just how amazing it is to be told of all the support and interest we are generating back home, it means so much to every single member of this crew.

To hear that the fundraising has also been boosted as a result the difficulties we’ve been experiencing also makes it easier to cope with.

I really can’t tell you how much it means to us to know that what we are doing out here is in some small way inspiring people back home and encouraging people to give money to our cause. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We are not out of the woods yet. After all the problems we’ve had so far it seems inconceivable that the rest of the trip will be plain sailing.

But one thing is for sure, our resolve to succeed remains undiminished, despite the seemingly endless technical problems we’ve encountered.

You have my word, this team will not give up. Wish us luck!s luck!

FLIGHT TO CAMP BASTION...........

On Monday I attended the launch of new information screens at RAF Brize Norton. They had been designed and paid for by Thales and very smart they are. What is noteworthy is that this project has been completed in partnership with the three single service charities. I nearly got put on a flight to Helmand but the pinstripe didn't look quite right!

GREAT MAN DEPARTS

On Friday I went to the funeral of Bishop Michael Mann, a soldier, historian and eminent priest. He loyally supported The British Legion, St Dunstans (he became blind towards the end of his life) and ABF. Living as he did in Gloucetershire I was able to seek his advice on many matters. In 2004 he helped enormously over the 60th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and suggested we had a passage from George MacDonald Fraser's book "Quartered Safe Out Here". George came down to read it himself. It was a coup. We always remember that he lost his son, killed in action in Oman in the 70s. He was a wonderful man and a sad loss.

WATER WATER EVERYWHERE

Whilst we were enjoying War Horse and all the other things we have had to day including that nice drink at the end of the day, think of those poor sods in the mid atlantic with virtually no water.  Theor relief ship, the Aurora does not reach them till Sunday several days later than planned when their water desalination kit broke down.  But clearly their morale is bearing up judging by yesterdays bulletin which I repeat here..

We are still on two litres of water each at the moment which is causing some discomfort for all of us.
The fact we can’t rehydrate any of our food means we are only taking on around 2000 calories per day, while burning more like 5-6,000 so the weight continues to fall off.
I had some muesli this morning which at the start of the race I thought was disgusting. Today it tasted like the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life.
Our dreams are also getting weirder. It’s a regular thing now to get woken up 15 minutes before the shift starts only to be convinced you’ve been rowing for the past two hours.
It’s also seriously hot so we’re just kind of lolling around trying to stay cool during the day time. Whenever a cloud comes across to block out the sun it’s a blessed relief.
So, to sum up, we’re hungry, thirsty and bored. We’re going nowhere and we’re overheating.
Miserable? Not a bit of it. This campaign is about overcoming adversity, inspiring our wounded friends and their families, and raising £1million for service charities. This may be an uncomfortable situation, but it is not life threatening, and we remain determined to complete our mission.
If you want to help us……please donate to the cause! Thank you so much for your continued interest in what we’re doing. We’ll be in touch soon.