01 Feb, 2012
Phil Wardle and Angela Ellis reach Everest Base camp, raising money for Care for Casualties
Phil, an ex-Gloster who was himself injured in action, and whose has family still continue in the family tradition of serving, and Angela decided to take on this amazing challenge and at the same time raise money for C4C.
The work and projects that Care for Casualties facilitates have a personal resonance for Phil. Rather fittingly, they arrived at Everest Base Camp on Remembrance Day, which was very poignant for them. Phil distributed poppies amongst their international group of travellers and to their guide who was himself an ex Gurkha. Phil placed a poppy in the most prominent position at the camp as a mark of respect. They raised a total of £1,343.54 which will help us to look after our casualties of today and we are extremely grateful.
25 Jan, 2012
Congratulations to Will Dixon and Carl Anstey
The Row2Recovery boat has just arrived in Barbados!
25 Jan, 2012
Christmas Wreaths raise funds for Care for Casualties
For the second year in a row Bob and Deb Simpson have raised a staggering amount for Care for Casualties £1,100, by making and selling Christmas Wreaths. Bob and Deb are the parents of Rifleman Daniel Simpson who was killed whilst serving on operations in Afghanistan with 2 Rifles in July 2009. Working up until the last minute they delivered all their wreaths on time helped by their great friend Madeleine and by WO2 Chris Saintey and Colour Serjeant Jamie Moncho CGC.
18 Jan, 2012
“A Soldier’s Tale, Tell me what it’s like”
A song, “A Soldier’s Tale, Tell me what it’s like” by Teenage Chorus has been raising money for Care for Casualties.
To hear or download this great piece of music, please click on this link: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/tell-me-what-its-like-a-soldiers/id449084077?i=449084092
13 Jan, 2012
Bravo 22 Company
The Royal British Legion, in partnership with the Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust (Masterclass), the Army Recovery Capability and Royal Navy Recovery Pathway introduce The Bravo 22 Company.
The Bravo 22 Company is a project for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel, currently in recovery capability programmes, who have signed up to create, rehearse and perform a new play, The Two Worlds of Charlie F.
The play will be directed by Stephen Rayne, written by Owen Sheers and is produced for Masterclass by Alice Driver, under the artistic auspices of Trevor Nunn CBE and with the support of Ray Winstone as the company's ambassador.
There will be 2 performances of the show at 2.30pm and 6.30pm and tickets are available in advance from The Bravo 22 Company website: www.bravo22company.com, with prices starting from £10.
Masterclass and The Royal British Legion will host a Gala Performance of The Two Worlds of Charlie F on 22 January 2011 at 6.30pm. A limited number of tickets for the gala evening including post-performance reception are available priced at £150. For more information or to book tickets contact Blayne George, 0207389 9660 or events@masterclass.org.uk
The world premiere of a new play
created and performed by
wounded, injured and sick military Service personnel
Written by Owen Sheers (The Passion, Resistance), based on their experiences
Directed by Stephen Rayne (Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre)
For 2 performances only on Sunday 22 January 2012
at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
To book tickets and find out more visit www.bravo22company.com
Ticket Prices
Matinee - Starts at: 2:30pm
Gallery - £10*
Upper Circle - £20/£15/£10**
Royal Circle - £35/£20/**/£10**
Stalls - £35/£20/£10 Access
Evening - Starts at 6:30pm
Gallery - £10*
Upper Circle - £25/£15/£10**
Royal Circle - £55/£25**/£10**
Stalls - £55***/£25/£10 Access
Exclusive Gala evening tickets available email blayne@masterclass.org.uk
06 Jan, 2012
LCpl Martin Edwards
LCpl Martin Edwards served with 1 LI, subsequently 5 Rifles, suffering severe injuries whilst serving in Iraq in 2006. This very proud and courageous Rifleman is now a resident at Daniel Yorath House in Leeds but had not been on holiday since he was injured.
Care for Casualties funded a short break in Blackpool for Martin and his carers and he wrote a short diary which is attached. Care for Casualties would like to thank all the staff at Daniel Yorath House, BLESMA and 15 Brigade Personnel Recovery Unit who made the trip possible.
Martin_Edwards_my_weekend_at_Blackpool
06 Jan, 2012
Lieutenant Will Dixon and Rifleman Carl Anstey are closing on the finish line in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the World's toughest rowing race.
Lieutenant Will Dixon 3 Rifles and Rifleman Carl Anstey 1 Rifles are competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge for the charity Row2Recovery.
The race from the Canary Islands to Barbados started before Christmas with 17 teams and already 5 have dropped out. The Row2Recovery team which comprises of four seriously wounded and two able bodied serving soldiers and veterans are currently in fourth position having had to contend with their de- salination equipment breaking down as well as the loss of their autohelm. Currently they have another 800 miles to go but need to rendezvous with their support ship to take on fresh water as their emergency supply is rapidly running out.
Will and Carl have been giving regular reports to ITN News and also Radio 5 Live and their progress can be followed on www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com and www.row2recovery.com .
Everyone at Care for Casualties and RHQ Rifles send the team all their best wishes for the remainder of the challenge and a safe return home.
08 Dec, 2011
COCO AND TEAM CONTINUE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR RIFLES CARE 4 CASUALTIES
Ex Soldier Paul Cocoran (Coco) continues his fund raising efforts for Rifles Care 4 Casualties.
He has teamed up with Mal Wright (far left in the photo) whose Rural Watch covers 100 farmers in and around the area and with the kind permission from the Station Commander, they have arranged for suppliers of Eggs and Honey to have an Outlet for sales in the Police Reception with all items purchased, made as donations to Paul’s Charity. Guardforce’s Bob (behind the desk in the photo) oversees the operation and has encouraged visitors to take part in the scheme, with some of the regular delivery drivers now only getting their eggs from RAF Fylingdales. Coco is delighted with how well the scheme is running, “ we only started in September but have already been able to send a cheque for £200 and nearly have another £100 to be sent off”. Photo above shows Carillion’s Pete stocking up with eggs for his B & B in Whitby.
Go to work on an egg
John Rutherfoord was on a WW2 battlefield tour with an ex-KOYLI group in 1986, staying overnight with 2LI in Deilinghofen. As the Bernkastel flowed during lunch, he threw down a challenge to march 100 miles in 24 hours wearing combat kit and battle order as the KOYLI reportedly did 50 years before, marching to annual camp. The gauntlet was picked up, a magnificent silver rose bowl arrived as a prize and the game was on. NATO’s Sennelager ranges were closed for 48 hours as 24 marchers set off at dusk one April 1987 evening…
Fame and fable take over, but in sum, Corporal Paul Cocoran completed 100 miles in 24 hours and 59 minutes. Never one to be beaten - he was also a Combined Services boxing champion and Biathlon skier – Coco completed the course in 23 hours 41 minutes in 1988, accompanied all the way by Lieutenant Richard Fullerton. Now a 51 year old policeman at RAF Fylingdales, he pounds a lonely beat for Rifles C4C charities.
Although I fought off an APTC attempt to poach him, guilt remained. Coco had lingering leg and hip injuries after his superhuman efforts. Other marchers had been less fortunate, incurring more persistent disabilities. So when he re-entered the long march scene recently, he deserved everyone’s support – especially mine - as he walked for Care for Casualties. And now, while resting between exhausting events, he sells thousands of free-range eggs from a farm on the Moors, with profit going to the Rifles’ C4C.
He’s murmuring about a Coast to Coast 192 mile walk as his next project during his annual leave next Spring – a typically selfless Coco touch. I have bought Ruth Cocoran enough eggs for her 2012 family needs. This is insurance, not philanthropy. Coco is going to need all the protein available and does not know how to spell cholesterol. Besides adding nourishment, he will collect more ‘egg funds’ to add to the several hundred pounds he has already given. Always a step ahead, taking up life’s challenges, inspiring us all to do more. What can we give in 2012? Let’s start by giving generously to this amazing man and his unflagging dedication towards Rifles C4C. Watch out for further detail on Coco’s next grand solo plan.
2 Dec, 2011
The Royal Green Jacket Association London Branch held a fund raising evening for Care for Casualties
The evening was held at a secret location due to the presence of ex Rifleman Andy McNab! Colonel Nick Kitson spoke about 3 Rifles’ recent tour in Afghanistan and Lt Col Mike Smith the Regimental Casualty Officer gave an update on C4C and how it was helping our casualties and their families.
Follow the link for the full story: http://www.spectator.co.uk/books/7437633/andy-mcnab-i-owe-everything-to-the-military-education-system.thtml
28 Nov, 2011
Rifleman Sheldon Lee Jordan Steel killed in Afghanistan
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Rifleman Sheldon Steel, from 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES), was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 27 November 2011.
27 Nov, 2011
The MAD Ball raises £90,000 for Care for Casualties
In July, a group of 14 friends put on a fundraising Ball to raise money for Help for Heroes and Care for Casualties. They have raised £90,000 for The Rifles and last week our Regimental Casualty Officer, Lt Col Mike Smith, met them at the TA Centre of E Company, 7 Rifles, who supported their efforts, to receive a cheque on behalf of Care for Casualties.
Rupert Armitage, the MAD Ball committee chairman, handed the cheque over to Mike, who thanked them all for the huge effort they went to to help us support our wounded, bereaved and the families of the wounded.
Other committee members included: Sue Armitage, Nick and Jane Murrell, James and Jennie Armitage, Caroline Gates, Marc Smiddy, Mark Purnell, John Considine, Paul Nichols, Richard Beasley, Richard and Kate Roff. THANK YOU ALL so much!
26 Nov, 2011
Heroes Haven holiday lodge, Swanage, designed for disabled ex-servicemen and women and supported by Care for Casualties, gets planning permission granted
25 Nov, 2011
3 Rifles return from completing the Washington DC Marine Corps Marathon
Fourteen Riflemen from 3 Rifles, including 3 of their wounded, have recently returned from completing the Marine Corps Marathon, for the second year running. Through it they have raised over £1,900 for Care for Casualties and the figure is still rising. Lt Matt Bartlett tells the story of their trip and its benefits, for a team which included him, Captain Harrison, WO2 Thomas, Cpl McIntosh, Rfn York, Rfn Neville, Lt Bartlett, Rfn Dumaurier, Rfn Pawson, Rfn Hatchard-Liddle, LCpl Duffy, LCpl McDelling, Rfn Kotze, Cpl Beckett and Rfn Parkes. As well as raising money for C4C, C4C are pleased to say that we helped towards the costs of our 3 wounded Riflemen who took part.
22 Nov, 2011
Rifleman Matt Fisher recently tied the knot to Maria
Rifleman Matt Fisher recently tied the knot to Maria and then ran the New York Marathon during their honeymoon, raising over £1,600 for Care for Casualties. Matt, who served with 3 Rifles during their last tour of Afghanistan, has had quite a year. Having suffered gunshot wounds to his ankle during the 2010 tour he underwent an elective amputation of his foot this summer; his ambition was to get back to the level of fitness and activity that he enjoyed before suffering his injury. If he hasn’t achieved that he must be well on the way.
Congratulations to Matt and Maria. We wish you many, many years of happy married life together and thank you for thinking of Care for 
Casualties at such a very special time!
18 Nov, 2011
Lance Corporal Peter Eustace killed in Afghanistan
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal Peter Eustace from 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 RIFLES) was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday 16 November 2011.
1 Nov, 2011
Friends and Family of Stephen Phillips raise money in his memory
28 Oct, 2011
Beaverbrooks in Basingstoke Care for Casualties
The Basingstoke branch of the jewellers, Beaverbrooks, has been supporting Care for Casualties and presented Rebecca Maciejewska with a cheque from the Beaverbrooks Trust for £495 earlier this month. This came about through Ben McHugh who works for the jewellers and whose wife’s cousin, Cpl Richard Green of 3 Rifles, lost his life whilst serving in Afghanistan last year. We are so grateful for the support, especially as it comes in memory of one of our Riflemen. Thank you so much!
14 Oct, 2011
We've a mountain to climb - Echo Article
A BASINGSTOKE soldier is part of a team attempting to set various world records by assisting amputee soldiers up Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lance Corporal Danny Hyland, from 7 Rifles, based in Reading, will help the six amputee soldiers reach the summit of the African mountain next February.
The 40-year-old will be raising money for Pilgrim Bandits, which supports forces’ amputees, and the Rifles’ own regimental charity, Care for Casualties.
Lance Cpl Hyland trains new soldiers at the Reading base but said he knows how hard it is when colleagues are injured, having previously fought in Afghanistan.
He added: “This is something to give back to those lads. It’s about looking out for each other. We’re there to assist in any way we can. That’s the British soldiers’ way – to look out for each other.
12 Oct, 2011
Sadie Van Niekerk and friends
23rd October, Sadie Van Niekerk and friends, sponsored horse ride along the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk, County Durham, an eight hour ride. With about 40 participants, including children, and organised by Sadie, Kevin Hall and Pauline Dodds. Along with Sadie, riders such as Sam Tarr and Kimberley Gaden, Rfn Tom Gaden's stepdaughter, are coming from as far away as Taunton. The ride is in memory of those who have died, such as Tom, and those who have been seriously injured, such as Sadie's husband Stephan, who continue to inspire us all. Sadie also says that it is a thank you to C4C for the help and support of the regiment. Together they are hoping to raise £2,000 for Care for Casualties. Sadie will be carrying "The Baton" in memory of all our fallen.
11 Oct, 2011
Salisbury Half Marathon
Hume Jones, who served with The Royal Green Jackets, and Simon Bedford, still with The Rifles, both completed the Salisbury half marathon on Sunday, 9th October, in support of Care for Casualties. Hume is now working with SERCO who put a team together and together they have raised over £2,000. We are really grateful to both of them and to all at Serco who have been so supportive. Thank you so much!
06 Oct, 2011
21st September Mayfair
On 21st September, Richard Miller from Halstock, brought together a gathering of Mayfair based people in a fundraising evening for Care for Casualties. The evening included drinks, canapés, and five four minute talks as well as the first public viewing of the Care for Casualties video. In all over £35,000 was raised which was incredible. The evening was sponsored by Halstock, Africa Petroleum and RAB Capital. Thank you to everyone involved, including our own cadets who worked magnificently to support the night. For more information, read this.....
06 Oct, 2011
Wynyards Golf Club
Wynyards Golf Club raised £5100.00 in their Tournament arranged by Sandy Baxter (in blue) ex Cpl in 2LI in the early 70's. Major Chris Lawton (retd), Assistant Regimental Secretary based in our Durham office, accepted the cheque on behalf of Care for Casualties. Thank you so much!
06 Oct, 2011
100km in 24 Hours!
Over the 12th and 13th August, Dave Dee, and who served with the Royal Green Jackets, marched over 100kms in the “Dodentocht”, “Death March” raising over £2,000 for Care for Casualties. Read his account of the march! Thank you, Dave.
100km_in_24_Hours, By Dave Dee
04 Oct, 2011
Cadets from Bedford School
We have been given the profits from a track called “Tell me what it’s like (A soldier’s tale)” by Teenage Chorus. It can be downloaded from ITunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/tell-me-what-its-like-a-soldiers/id449084077?i=449084092
It has been donated by a company called Enter CIC who owned the rights to it and have passed all the profits on to Care for Casualties. Teenage Chorus are made up of Daniel Gregory, Danny Dixon, Bradley Johnson and Laura Hawkyard, with Jack Mylchreest on Guitar, James Robson on Bass Guitar and Andrew Robertshaw on Drums.
03 Oct, 2011
Cadets from Bedford School
This summer, two cadets from Bedford School, Alexander Trustram Eve and Ben Armstrong, raised over £600 for Care for Casualties, walking over 350 miles, from the furthest east point in England (Lowestoft), to the furthest west point in Wales (the coast near St David's). They wore army uniform and carried all the kit that they needed in an army Bergen, taking enough food until the half way point where they resupplied.
They were completely self sufficient and camped each night. Alexander and Ben raised over £1200 which they split between Army Benevolent Fund and Care For Casualties.
Thank you so much!!
25 Sep, 2011
Rifleman Paul Jacobs GM and Rifleman Michael Swain 500 mile fundraising bike ride
Rifleman Paul Jacobs GM and Rifleman Michael Swain embarked on a 500 mile fundraising bike ride for SSAFA Forces Help on bikes provided by Care for Casualties. Paul who was blinded in 2009 whilst serving with 2 Rifles will be riding a tandem bike with his brother Joe and Michael who lost both his legs whilst serving with 3 Rifles will be riding his hand bike. Michael was a Physical Training Instructor before his injuries and last year Care for Casualties purchased him a bike so that he could improve his fitness. Since then he has competed in a number of fund raising challenges including the Great North Run and the US Marine Corps Marathon in Washington raising money for the Regiment. SSAFA provides amazing support Servicemen and their families and so the Rifles are only too happy to help them raise funds and we wish all the participants the very best of luck as they set off from Edinburgh Castle on the 21st September and arrived at London’s Horse Guards Parade on the 25th.
News Articles:
http://www.ssafa.org.uk/rideofbritain.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2011/sep/20/cycling-clubs
17 Aug, 2011
Thank you Bob McHenry
Bob McHenry, his son Paul and grandson Thomas are some of our most successful fundraisers and aided by a family friend Paul Brown they will back at Clacton Airshow on the 25th and 26th August raising money for Care for Casualties. Bob served in the Kings Royal Rifles and even though he is now 85 years old he has never forgotten his old Regiment. His son Paul says ‘doing his bit keeps my Dad young in mind and heart and gives him a sense of being’. In addition to raising funds for us Bob has also been a member of the St John’s Ambulance for the past 26 years so helping others has always been part of his life. Our photograph shows Bob fundraising outside his local Tesco in Colchester and all of us at Care for Casualties would like to thank him and his family for their marvellous support and wish them well as they continue to raise funds for our injured Riflemen.
15 Aug, 2011
Lieutenant Daniel John Clack killed in Afghanistan
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lieutenant Daniel John Clack, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, was killed in Afghanistan on 12 August 2011.
03 Aug, 2011
CARE FOR CASUALTIES HELPS DAUGHTER OF FALLEN RIFLEMAN
Care for Casualties has just bought a bespoke tricycle for the daughter of a fallen Rifleman who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Lucy lost her Dad two years ago whilst he was serving in Afghanistan leaving behind his wife and two young children.
The C4C Appeal was approached to help Lucy and so not only has it funded the purchase of this superb tricycle but it has also funded swimming and riding lessons which Lucy’s therapist recommended as part of her rehabilitation programme.
As you can see Lucy is enjoying her new found independence thanks to the generosity of all who support our Regimental Appeal.
03 Aug, 2011
INJURED OFFICER STUDIES FOR MASTERS DEGREE THANKS TO CARE FOR CASUALTIES
Captain Edmund Addington was injured almost two years ago whilst serving with 2 Rifles in Afghanistan. Keen not to waste his time knowing that he had many months of rehabilitation ahead of him Ed applied to study for a Masters Degree in Post War Recovery Studies at York University and applied to Care for Casualties for funding which was approved.
Ed is currently finalising his Dissertation at home whilst recovering from a recent operation but wanted to thank Care for Casualties for their support. We all send Ed our best wishes as he continues his recovery and hope that he is able to put his newly acquired qualification to good use in the future.
27 July, 2011
Team Swift and Bold
Major James (Josh) Bowman was tragically killed in Afghanistan on 13th July last year. This year, “Team Swift and Bold”, made up of serving friends of his as well as Josh’s sister Louisa, and brothers David and Brian, took part in the Race Across America last month raising over £70,000 for Care for Casualties, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the Ghurkha Welfare Trust. The team completed the race in a very competitive time of 6 days, 4 hours and 36 minutes which was a day and a half less than they had expected, and coming second in the Mixed 4 Man category, narrowly beaten by the Germans! They finished ahead of many of the all male 4 man and 8 man teams which was really gratifying. These photos show the Team at the start and finish of the race. We are immensely proud to have supported them in their support for casualties as well as of them for their incredible endeavour.
For a bit more of an insight into their achievement you might like to visit their blogs: http://teamswiftandbold.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/final-photos/
http://teamswiftandbold.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/we-are-cruising/
http://teamswiftandbold.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/and-were-off/
25 July, 2011
WOUNDED OFFICER RECEIVES AWARD FROM THE COLONEL COMMANDANT
All of us at Care for Casualties would like to congratulate Alex on his well deserved award.
25 July, 2011
FUND RAISING EVENT IN CROYDON
Ever since Bob and Debs Simpson lost their son Daniel in July 2009 whilst serving with 2 Rifles they have become prolific fund raisers for Care for Casualties. Last Christmas they made and sold some beautiful Christmas Wreaths to raise money for our charity but that was only the start. They have just held a Memorial Golf Day in memory of Daniel and have been busy packing Goody Boxes to be sent out to members of 1 Rifles who are currently deployed in Afghanistan. Bob and his two sisters Janet and Angie plus Debs, and Ray the pub landlord, all mucked in to pack the boxes at the Cricketers Pub in Shirley near Croydon. The boxes will provide great comfort to our brave Riflemen as they cope with the heat of an Afghan summer. From all of us here at Care for Casualties Headquarters thank you very much for all you are doing to make life a little more bearable for our lads and for the money you have been raising for our Appeal.
25 July, 2011
Rifleman's brother and his girlfriend bungy jump for C4C
On the 14th of July Natalie Stewart Holt married Rifleman Josh Smith at Edinburgh Castle. Josh serves with 3 Rifles and they both now live in army quarters near Redford Infantry Barracks. Natalie is one of The Rifles Angels - a group of wives who raise money for Care for Casualties. As you can see, Natalie and Josh purchased C4C wristbands as favours for all their wedding guests. Natalie will also take part in The Rifles Angels Go Ape event on Saturday 23rd July and has raised an additional £615 in personal sponsorship.
25 July, 2011
"Help for Heroes Concert, 2nd and 3rd July, benefits Care for Casualties as well.
Coco Cocoran says that the show, which was in memory and honour of Cpl Lee Brownson of 3 Rifles, who was killed last year in Afghanistan, was outstanding and raised a few quid too. Coco opened the Show on both nights with a brief talk about the Rifles' Baptism of fire and read out the list of Awards that the Regiment and Riflemen have been awarded, then his Poem, Reflect & Remember.
Major (retd) Blondy Lawton attended the opening show and they arranged for all the VIPs to meet in the Pub opposite the Theatre where food and drink was laid on. The Mayor of Durham was in attendance and although it was billed as in aid of Help 4 Heroes Coco says that he reminded everyone that there is only one Infantry Regiment in Durham now and that is the Rifles and asked everyone to get behind them and donate to the Care for Casualties Appeal."
22 July, 2011
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Smith!
On the 14th of July Natalie Stewart Holt married Rifleman Josh Smith at Edinburgh Castle. Josh serves with 3 Rifles and they both now live in army quarters near Redford Infantry Barracks. Natalie is one of The Rifles Angels - a group of wives who raise money for Care for Casualties. As you can see, Natalie and Josh purchased C4C wristbands as favours for all their wedding guests. Natalie will also take part in The Rifles Angels Go Ape event on Saturday 23rd July and has raised an additional £615 in personal sponsorship.
20 July, 2011
GARDEN CENTRE CUSTOMERS THANKED FOR RIFLES CARE FOR CASUALTIES £1160 DONATION
Thanks to the generosity of customers over the last 9 months at a Dorset garden centre, a cheque for £1160 has been presented to the Rifles Regiment’s Care For Casualties Appeal. The money, raised from the wishing well and events held at the Haskins Garden Centre in Ferndown, will directly benefit service men and women and families thanks to the ring-fenced appeal within The Rifles Regimental Trust.
Appeal Coordinator Rebecca Maciejewska accepted the cheque from Haskins Customer Care Manager Brittany Chapman at the Rifles Museum at the Regimental headquarters in Winchester.
“We are so very grateful to everyone who made a donation and for the fantastic support offered by the team at Haskins,” said Rebecca Maciejewska. “All money raised is spent on direct and indirect support and grants to help individuals, on recuperation breaks, funeral support and casualty packs for those who arrive back at hospital in the UK and for rehabilitation at Headley Court.”
The fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq has taken its toll on the Regiment. 57 Riflemen have been killed. The numbers injured have also been high. Amongst the injuries there are now 27 amputees, including two who have taken the decision to have a lower limb amputation in order to improve their mobility.
“The appeal supports the adaptation of houses, adaptation of cars, driving lessons for amputees to give them independence or the provision of quad bikes in certain circumstances to provide mobility, also the funding of retraining and re-skilling and education. We also fund marriage guidance counselling and approximately £40,000 has been spent on rehabilitation and recuperation breaks for our wounded and bereaved. These give our casualties a sense of self-belief and optimism, the restorative benefits of which are incalculable. Importantly we support for the expenses of our Regimental Casualty Officer to allow him to better oversee the care of our casualties.”
19 July, 2011
Corporal Mark Anthony Palin killed in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence confirms that Corporal Mark Anthony Palin from 1st Battalion The Rifles was killed in Afghanistan on 18 July 2011.
15 July, 2011
Dean Williams 21st Birthday
CARE FOR CASUALTIES AND THE RIFLES BAND HELP WOUNDED RIFLEMAN CLEBRATE HIS 21ST BIRTHDAY TWO YEARS AFTER HE WAS ASSESSED‘UNLIKELY TO SURVIVE MEDEVAC BY AIR FROM AFGHANISTAN’.
13 July, 2011
WORLD CUP LEGENDS SUPPORT CARE FOR CASUALTIES APPEAL
Pictured: Mike Smith, Roger Hunt, Rebecca Maciejewska, Gordon Banks, LCpl Stephan Van Niekerk, Michelle Robbins (Sportech PLC)
Gordon Banks and Roger Hunt, members of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team, handed over an incredibly generous cheque for £15,000 to the Care for Casualties Appeal at a recent lunch at the Rifles London Club. Both Gordon and Roger are Brand Ambassadors for Sportech PLC who very kindly donated the cheque which was used to send some of our wounded Riflemen last year to S Africa where they did white water rafting and shark cage diving, and skiing in Colorado with a number of wounded US Servicemen. Sportech PLC own a variety of brands including Littlewoods Pools and regularly support a number of good causes such as Football, Sport, the Arts and numerous charities. We very much hope that our association with Sportech PLC will continue but in the meantime we cannot thank them enough for providing some of our wounded Riflemen the sporting challenge of a lifetime.
08 July, 2011
John Cohen's 197 MILE WALK raises over £700 for C4C
Walking Wainwright’s Coast-to- Coast route for the Rifles Regiment’s charities Care for Casualties campaign--85 miles completed in October 2010, and 110 miles on 12-19 May 2011.
John Cohen, who served in the 4th (Vol) Bn The Royal Green Jackets (now the Rifles Regiment) 1966-1977, followed Alfred Wainwright’s 192 mile Coast-to-Coast walk (and a bit more) to raise money for the Rifles Regiment’s charities Care for Casualties campaign. You could say he has done the C2C for C4C.
I walked the route in two stages, doing the eastern part (85 miles) in 5 days in October 2010, and completed the western part (110 miles) over 8 days in May 2011. It was an unforgettable experience crossing so many different types of terrain in all sorts of weather, and meeting different people along the way.
I set out on 18 Oct last year on a bright day from the village of Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales carrying a rucksack with my essentials for the week, and reached Robin Hoods Bay on the North Sea coast in driving rain. The 85 mile route took me through the winding valley of the river Swale in the Yorkshire Dales, the picturesque Georgian town of Richmond, across the great flat farmland area of the Vale of Mowbray, and along the exhilarating switchback of the Cleveland escarpment. The wild remoteness of the North Yorkshire moors and the evidence of its industrial past was unforgettable. The Wain Stones towered dramatically above the ridgeline. Centuries old stone markers lined the heather upland route, and with ancient crosses they gave the place a special atmosphere.
Leaving Urra Moor, the route followed the track of an old railway built by the Victorians to extract ores from the moor, and across Danby and Glaisdale Moors into Glaisdale and Grosmont. It follows the river Esk which I crossed twice on stepping stones, and a third time through a ford. Consisting of random angular and slippery stones jutting up just clear of the fast flowing river, the ford was the biggest technical challenge of the week. I was thankful I had brought a walking pole with me for the first time as without it I would have certainly got a dunking.
The Esk Valley and Sleights and Low Moors dominated the last section of the route before it reached the North Sea, and followed the coast path for 4 miles to Robin Hoods Bay. The cliff top views were impressive in spite of the driving rain. As I sat down with a pint in the warmth of Wainwright's bar in the Bay Hotel I silently thanked AW for the enjoyment and challenge of the week, and thought of those who put themselves on the line day after day in Afghanistan, and now need our help. I can't wait to do the rest.
Over 8 days in May 2011, I completed the remaining part, covering 110 miles over varied landscapes in (of course) varied weather. From the coastal cliffs of St Bees Head looking out across the Irish Sea, up & down the high passes and peaks of the Lake District, across the Yorkshire Dales and high moorland of the Pennines, finally reaching Reeth, my starting point in October. The routine on most days was continuous ascent (in parts very steep) for the first three or four hours, then up & down on the Lake District peak tops, then 2 -3 hour descents to habitation & bed. I did several peaks, including Red Pike, Hay Stacks (Alfred Wainwright's favourite peak where his ashes are scattered), Helm Crag & Kidsty Pike but not unfortunately Helvellyn as the cloud base came right down as I was climbing up and I wouldn't have seen a thing from the top, so I came back down. Crossing the Pennines was a different experience altogether and I managed to avoid sinking waist deep in bog--only going in up to my knees. Travelling across large areas of boggy upland moors with no reference points made navigation tricky in places, and of course the weather was determined to make itself felt, as it blew hard and wet for several days. But the sun did appear at the end, and the whole thing was a tremendous experience. I met several other walkers doing the same thing, and it was fun talking over the day when I met up with them by chance in the evenings. As I was on my own, I didn't have to wait for the slowest member of the party, so was able to keep up a reasonably quick pace while still enjoying the surroundings despite my 30 lb rucksack. But clambering over steep wet rock going up & down had to be done quite carefully. My good friend Danny joined me for the last 2 days from Kirkby Stephen to Reeth which made it a great way to finish. Although I've been back a couple of weeks, my mind is still up there...
All of my supporters have been very generous and I predict I will have raised over £600 for The Rifles C4C. Thank you all very much!
07 July, 2011
RUN for HEROES - Mike Buss Race Director
In 2010 I put together a 5km fun run in Lydiard Park which raised an estimated £11,000 for Help for Heroes, moving on myself and a group of friends have put together a monthly series of 5km runs supporting not only Help for Heroes but many other veterans' charities including Talking2Minds, Project 65, Veterans in Action and Care for Casualties.
Our next 5km runs for the rest of the year are as follows:
Sunday 31st July
Sunday 28th August
Sunday 25th September
Sunday 30th October
Sunday 27th November
Sunday 18th December
05 July, 2011
Care for Casualties film at 4 Rifles
Thanks to the amazing generosity of BestBitsMedia Ltd who gave us day’s filming for free, Care for Casualties has been able to make a series of short 2 minute video clips and a longer 10 minute film to illustrate how the money it raises is actually spent. 4 Rifles very kindly allowed the team, which was led by Ed Watson an ex Rifleman, to film in the barracks and the result will be four short clips which you will soon be able to see on U tube and on this web site, plus a longer video which can be used for fund raising presentations.
However the filming would not have been possible without the support of members of our Regimental family including Chris and Claire Green, father and step mother of Corporal Richard Green, LCpl Stephan van Niekerk and his wife Sadie, LCpl Tyler Christopher, LCpl James McKie CGC and Rfn Chris Parkes. Their moving stories were truly humbling but the unanimous verdict was that the Rifles is a family and families look after their own and that is why we need to raise more funds to support this work.
05 July, 2011
3 Rifles at Headley Court
The Care for Casualties roving reporter caught three members of 3 Rifles engaged in a game of football at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court.
LCpl Ricky Hatton, Rfn Alex Swinhoe and Rfn Matt Fisher are all making amazing progress as they recover from their injuries sustained last year in Afghanistan but we do not think that Fabio Capello will be calling them quite yet!
05 July, 2011
Ex Rifleman John Loveday prepares for his first professional fight
John Loveday, ex 2 Rifles, is preparing for a second career as a professional boxer and Care for Casualties has given him financial assistance by funding his obligatory medical examination and his boxing kit.
John was injured in the same explosion that severely injured Rifleman Jack Otter and Jack will be sitting ringside for John’s first professional bout on 16th July at the Liverpool Echo Arena.
The fight will be shown live on SkySports and will be in front of an audience of 10,000. We wish John all the very best and hope that as many Riflemen as possible will tune in on the night.
03 July, 2011
Charity Concert
our Assistant Regimental Secretary based in our Durham office, Major Chris Lawton attended a Help for Heroes Charity Concert last Sunday, but as most of the work and assistance had come from ex LI SNCO's this office and Bugle Major Suggett it quickly became C4C as well.
He said that the production was brilliant, using the youth of the North East as well as some professional actors etc. It contained every emotion possible but was a good portrayal of the army and going on operations, it was dedicated in part to Cpl Lee Brownson CGC whose family were all present.
Sjt Coco Cocuran LI played a big part in the planning and preparation of the event and was instrumental in pushing The Rifles to the fore and getting them recognised as the North East's only Infantry Regiment in County Durham, as were The DLI and LI.
30 June, 2011
Fundraiser on Winchester High Street
The Mayor of Winchester’s charitable fundraising kicked off last weekend with a fundraiser on the High Street in Winchester, whereby coins were donated by the public and transposed into a picture of the C4C logo. The local cadets helped for which a big thank you to Sarah Davies and her team. Over £1000 was raised on the day!
21 June, 2011
End to End thank you
YES WE HAVE FINALLY DONE IT cycled from John O’ Groats to Lands End and climbed the three peaks, over 1100miles in 14 days.
02 June, 2011
John Madejski wears his 1 RIFLES Swift and Bold Wristband with pride
Founder of the Auto Trader, Chairman of Reading FC, Chancellor of the University of Reading and Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire, as well as all round uber businessman, Sir John Madejski wears his 1 RIFLES Swift and Bold Wristband with pride. He is flanked by two lovelies (Claire and Karla) from Team Green at the Pride of Reading Awards. Team Green are the 22 determined souls who ran the Reading Half Marathon in the memory of Corporal Richard Green and in aid of Care for Casualties. Richard of 3rd Battalion The Rifles died as a result of small arms fire near Sangin in Helmand province during the morning of Tuesday 2 March 2010 during the 3 RIFLES BG tour and is missed by all.
02 June, 2011
Rifleman back in training after being shot
News article from Salisbury Journal
Picture: Rifleman Owens receives his medal from the Duchess of Cornwall
27 May, 2011
Recently elected Mayor of Winchester selects Care for Casualties as one of his chosen charities
The Mayor of Winchester traditionally leads an extensive programme of fundraising for local charities. The current Mayor, Cllr Barry Lipscomb, is keen to continue that tradition and is proud to introduce the three charities which will benefit from Mayoral fundraising in 2011- 2012:
This year's charities are:
Wessex Cancer Research Trust
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
The Rifles Care for Casualties Appeal
Letter from the Mayor - UPDATED
27 May, 2011
Lackham College
This week, 25th, 26th and 27th May, potential recruits at Lackham College have been raising money to support Care for Casualties which they have chosen as their charity for the year. They have been running, rowing and cycling for 48 hours with the target to reach 1000 miles. Thank you!!!
18 May, 2011
RIFLES ROWERS TRAIN FOR ATLANTIC CROSSING
Lt Will Dixon 3 Rifles and Rfn Carl Anstey 1 Rifles are currently training with the Row2Recovery team and hoping to be selected as part of a four man team to row the Atlantic later this year. The team will consist of two able bodied rowers and two injured soldiers and Will and Carl both of whom were wounded on operations are hoping to secure a place on the boat. More information on their progress and on the charity can be seen at www.row2recovery.com
17 May, 2011
BEE GEE VISITS HOME OF THE RIFLES
Robin Gibb was spotted in Peninsula Barracks filming for the TV show ‘Who do you think you are?’. The singer from the Bee Gees kindly agreed to have his photo taken by the Rifles Paparazzi wearing one of our iconic wristbands and by the end of the visit all the TV crew were similarly attired. However it appears that Robin’s connection is with the Gurkhas and not the Rifles!
16 May, 2011
Polmont Young Offenders Institute
A team from 3 Rifles recently gave a talk to Polmont Young Offenders Institute (PYOI) in Edinburgh on life in Afghanistan during the Battalion’s tour in Helmand last year. Throughout the tour the charity ‘Parcels for Troops’ sent out a large number of parcels to individuals in the Battalion many of which were packed by young offenders from Polmont and the Governor was keen for some feedback. The Battalion was asked to come to the Institute and give a talk on daily life in theatre and show some of the equipment used. Rfn Parkes who was wounded during the tour gave a short talk which was enthusiastically received. An extract from a thank you letter from a member of the PYOI staff says it all:
There were 73 Young Offenders in attendance throughout the day, with no indiscipline. Given that the regular attendance span of our clientele within prison is around 20mins, it was an achievement on your behalf to have them captivated for over an hour without disruption. The initial feedback received this morning, has been “when are they coming back in”, with others commenting on how interesting and enjoyable your presentation was.
The 3 Rifles team also raised £400 through donations for Care for Casualties wristbands and are pictured above receiving the cheque.
Photo: Capt Harry Harrison receives a cheque from Kate Donegan, Governor of Polmont Young Offenders Institute.
L to R, Rfn Parkes, Kate Donegan, Capt Harry Harrison, LCpl Mitchell and Young Offender.
12 May, 2011
Mayor of Milton Keynes chooses Care for Casualties
Councillor Alan Richards on the evening of Tuesday 17 May 2011, was made Mayor of Milton Keynes, the new Mayor has selected “Care for Casualties” as one of his two nominated charities for the year whilst in his term of Mayorship for Milton keynes. We have many RIFLES soldiers both Regular and Territorial requireing the support of this regimental charity,now and in in the future in Milton Keynes explained Captain Holland PSAO E Coy 7 rifles at the Ceremony.
4 May, 2011
Jemma Marsh
On Sunday, 1st May, Jemma Marsh, completed The Great West Run – half marathon – in Exeter. She is the sister, daughter and granddaughter of Riflemen and decided to get her running shoes back out of the cupboard to raise money for Care for Casualties. Thank you, Jemma! She raised over £770 for our casualties. Fantastic!
27 April, 2011
LCpl Stephan Van Niekerk
LCpl Stephan Van Niekerk has continued to make a remarkable recovery from injuries sustained whilst serving with 3 Rifles in Afghanistan thanks to help from the Care for Casualties appeal. His wife Sadie who used to train race horses in France now keeps two horses at their home near Taunton but following his injuries Stephan was unable to help with their upkeep. Accompanying Sadie on hacks in the country was no longer possible and even walking across their paddock was difficult especially during winter. C4C funded the purchase of a quad bike which has given Stephen much more mobility and independence and he is now able to muck out the horses, walk the dogs and enjoy the countryside.
Pictured on the quad bike is Stephan, Sadie and their daughter Renee.
March 28, 2011
Helmand Crawl
Ceri and Terry Williams undertook a world record breaking attempt at the longest crawl starting on Friday 25th March in Glastonbury.
Unfortunately it did not go as well as had been hoped although Ceri managed to crawl around the 25 metre circuit for four hours and forty five minutes, achieving a distance of 3Kms. She had to retire due to the blisters on her kneecaps following Terry whose right knee pad broke and without knee protection he sustained some rather nasty cuts. Nevertheless they are not daunted and are working out another plan!
Thank you so much to all the people of Glastonbury, including the Mayor, for their wonderful support and thank you to 6 Rifles who supported them throughout. Ceri and Terry gained lots of local press and media coverage for the appeal and raised a good sum of money for C4C.
25 March , 2011
Liam One Direction Showing his support
Liam Payne from the X Factor band, One Direction, proudly puts on the Care for Casualties wristband.
March 22, 2011
Team Green
Family and friends of Cpl Richard Green who was killed in Afghanistan on the 2nd March last year, have been fundraising in support of Care for Casualties again. Twenty two of them took part in the Reading Half Marathon last weekend in Richard’s memory and have so far raised over £6,400. They are aiming for £7,000 so please do continue to support them via www.justgiving.com/teamgreen200311 . All of them finished well, although one took to a wheelchair with a bad knee...!
Back row:
James Hern, Linda Huckin, Marcus Hodge (The painter who was commissioned to paint the Sangin Picture for 3 Rifles - he was out in Sangin when Rich was killed!) Rhiannon Smith, Brad Harris, Simon Brimacombe, Victoria Blades, Kelly Jeanes, Glenn Mann, Bee Green, James McKie (Lance Corporal- in 3 Rifles with Rich, Conspicuous Gallentry Cross winner)Charlotte Foster, Emile Newman,Jo Iremonger, Graham Cole, Lucy Alder, Matt Cracknell, Jude Cresswell
Front Row:
Kevin Martin, Claire Green, (Charlotte Green - Richard's little sister behind his picture) Karla Fox and Steve Jones
January 20, 2011
South Moreton Boxing Club
We were very pleased to welcome John Houston of South Moreton Boxing Club as well as Councillor Bernard Stone, Mayor of Wallingford, to the Regimental Headquarters of The Rifles in Winchester. Simon Hill had introduced John to some of our Riflemen from 4 Rifles and having given them a few rounds in the Ring, John offered to host a Rumble and raise some money for our Care for Casualties Appeal. He has had the unswerving support of the Mayor of Wallingford, whose father, incidentally served with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, which went on to form part of The Royal Green Jackets and then The Rifles. John has raised over £16,000 for the appeal and came to present the second instalment of this with his cheque for over £7,000 yesterday. He and The Mayor also had a tour of The Green Jackets museum so that Bernard could learn something more of his father’s old regiment. We are very grateful for their support and all the incredible efforts they have gone to to raise such a wonderful sum of money, as well as their interest in The Rifles.
The Not Forgotten Association
This wonderful organisation continues to give amazing support to our wounded Riflemen.
I have just spent a day on Exmoor watching a group of severely injured soldiers quad biking which included two Riflemen (ex Rfn Darren Swift 1 RGJ and Rfn Kyle Baker 3 Rifles) and this weekend a Riflemen and his partner have spent a weekend relaxing at the home of a 'Secret Millionaire' in Kent all organised by the Association.
Forthcoming events include Concerts and Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace and Founder's Day at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea for which we have 12 Riflemen from various Battalions taking part. For more details of this marvellous charity please go to www.nfassociation.org
