It’s been another busy week across the Royal Marines Family with commemorations, awareness weeks and fundraising events. Below are some of the highlights from the week across the Charity.
Graspan Parade
The Falklands 40 and RM Commando 80 Graspan parade, service and reception took place in London over the weekend. ⠀
This is the first year we have been back at the Graspan Memorial in central London for a double commemorative event at our Corps memorial in the nation’s capital – commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict and the 80th anniversary of the Royal Marines taking on the Commando title. ⠀
After two years of limited activity due to the pandemic, it was great to see the Corps family out in full force. Thank you to all those in attendance and to our brilliant membership coordinators and volunteers for their support and hard work. #RMfamily
Fundraisers abseil England’s highest waterfall
This weekend intrepid fundraisers took on Canonteign Falls on Dartmoor, England’s highest waterfall. At 220 ft, Canonteign Falls is England’s highest waterfall and is situated on the edge of Dartmoor’s National Park in the heart of Devon’s Teign Valley, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in Devon.
A huge thank you to Dave Talbot and team for creating such a fantastic atmosphere and putting our abseilers at ease, and our brave abseilers for taking on such an extreme abseil of the highest waterfall in England.
Commando Mindset Training in Newcastle
On 12th May Jon White, Joe Winch and Tom Wilson delivered Commando Mindset Resilience Training to MediCinema, in Newcastle.
This is part of an initiative to help corporates develop resilience in their Teams, using The Commando Mindset framework. They have delivered to 8 separate companies, including Banks, Construction and Pharma.
Colin Lawrence, CEO of MediCinema, said of the training:
“With huge thanks to you, Jon and Joe for the Commando Mindset Training. We had a reflection session on Friday with some phenomenal feedback. Notably, the range of peoples’ responses and takeaway has been extraordinary.”
The first ever HighGround Single Service Rural Week
Last week we proudly worked with HighGround, to deliver a bespoke Rural Week at Bicton College for Young Service Leavers that have been unable to complete training at this time.
Throughout the week, the group were given the unique opportunity to participate in hands-on practical sessions in sectors across the land-based sector, featuring additional theoretical sessions to develop techniques and understanding. This included the chance to interact directly with expert tutors from the RSPB, Forest Commission and the wider agriculture, construction and arboriculture industries.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Last week, we proudly supported Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. This year, the theme for the week was ‘Loneliness’.
Across the country, people reflected on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. RMA – The Royal Marines Charity will continue to engage with our community on Mental Health matters, encouraging help-seeking behaviours through our Lifting The Lid Campaign.
Funding agreement to assist Mental Health Support
Last week we announced a 2 year funding agreement with The National Lottery Community Fund England that will enable us to continue to support those Royal Marine Corps family to engage in specialist coaching and where appropriate, funded psychotherapy in support of mental health recovery across England.
This funding helps us to continue to deliver the therapy and important messaging associated with our Lifting the Lid campaign
‘Commando’ Book launch
Friday 13th saw a fantastic evening at the Gordon Messenger Centre, supporting the launch of Monty Halls “Commando” book. A fabulous turnout of around 70 guests and a sell-out of signing books on the evening. A great evening was had by all.
Wing Walking
On Sunday 15th, the fundraising team hit the heights at Dunkeswell Airfield with the last of the rearranged wing walkers taking to the skies!
These wing walks have been a part of a series of events for the ladies of Team Commando 80 – it was touch and go on the day as the Great British weather once again wasn’t playing ball – but perseverance (and lots of patience) won through and all the main group of ladies have now completed the challenge! What an amazing day and such brave participants, including our very own Fundraising Manager, Vic. This event has raised over £12,500 which is just amazing!
