This week, our update features a new World Record, more amazing fundraising challenges, Ministerial congrats – and recognition of that very special win!
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World record smashed
The Charity is thrilled to be one of the recipients of money raised during last weekend’s ‘Sled of Pain’. This was a somewhat quirky event which success smashed the Guinness World Record by the magnificent team pictured above who, over 24 hours, pushed a 139.6kg sled, 125km over rough concrete!
They raised over £6,000 in aid of ‘Lifting the Stress for Mental Health’, to be shared across three programmes that aid the mental wellbeing of emergency services and armed forces veterans, of which RMA’s ‘Lifting the Lid’ is one.
“As a team,” they said, “we wanted to help local community programmes that assist with overcoming these disorders. They are very close to all our hearts as many of the team have received some form of assistance in the past with their own mental health.”
What an amazing team – huge thanks to all involved.
By land, sea and air
£12,300 raised to date …and climbing, though this is one activity not included in the list of ongoing challenges being undertaken by an intrepid team of brilliant ladies with personal links to the Royal Marines. During 2022, they are working their way through a tough itinerary of ‘By land, sea and air’ challenges to mark the ‘Commando 80’ year.
Last weekend, as the thermometer climbed, too, this quartet completed their last ‘By Land’ phase – hiking the 40.1 miles of arduous, hilly terrain in Devon at an average pace of 3.3 mph between two special Memorials – Slapton Sands (where the DDay landings were rehearsed and where many lives were sadly lost) and Pegasus Bridge (where the Pegasus Bridge practices were held).
Between them, the group still has a few more skydives and wing walks (air) to tick off, having already polished off a freezing group skinny dip back in January
https://www.justgiving.com/team/TeamCommando80
All at sea, too
Holidaymakers basking in the sun on the beach at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight must have been somewhat surprised last week when they saw eight swimmers in identical black hooded wetsuits fast approaching the shore from the mainland some 1.2 miles away.
The group, that consisted eight Serving personnel – seven Royal Marines and a Naval Officer distinctive in their matching black hooded wetsuits – was in fact approaching the half-way point in a successful round-trip swim to and from Hurst Castle that raised over £2,000 for the RMA.
Although this route is the shortest distance between the mainland and the south coast Island, the Solent in between is so narrow at this point that any swim is particularly hazardous – so we take our hats off to them. Another amazing achievement – thank you!.
Steadily heading north
Lee Spencer is well on track with his awesome Triathlon GB challenge to raise funds for the RMA. After his initial disappointment in not being able to complete the Channel Swim, his dogged determination to carry on with the rest of the challenge has since gone swimmingly.
This past week, he’s put more miles behind him on the gruelling cycle between Land’s End and John O’Groats, climbed Snowdon and is now heading steadily closer to the Scottish border, being joined at various points along the way by many enthusiastic friends and supporters.
If all continues to go according to plan, he will arrive at Spean Bridge on 9th August at around 1700 so if you’re in the area, do head along to make this a truly momentous finish to this hugely impressive achievement. It more than proves his point that no one should be defined by disability.
To track Lee’s journey and make a donation, visit https://leespencer.co.uk.
Ministerial recognition
Following the news that the Charity had achieved Gold status under the MOD’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. a few weeks ago, Chief Executive Jonathan Ball has been delighted to receive a letter of congratulations from the Secretary of State for Defence People, Leo Docherty MP.
The scheme was initiated in 2014 to recognise growing support from employers, across the country for Service leavers, veterans, and the spouses and partners of serving personnel.
In his letter, Mr Docherty said: ‘Feedback from the judging panel of senior officers, representing the three Services, suggests that the competition was stiff and the task of selecting Gold winners was tougher than ever.
‘You should be proud to know that your organisation was adjudged to have reached the required standard. Once again, congratulations on achieving this prestigious award and thank you for all you are doing to support the Defence community.’
Commando Connect
Our Transition Support Officer, Jim Morris, this week hosted another successful Commando Connect event at Stone House Barracks in Plymouth. There are six more Bootneck get-togethers planned for this year in September and November at the Gordon Messenger Centre, RM Stonehouse and RM Condor.
View upcoming Commando Connect events here.
And finally….
We couldn’t let this one go….we add our many congratulations to the Lionesses for their historic victory at the 2022 European Championships. Football has come home!