ABF The Soldiers' Charity FrontLine Spring 2012

FrontLine — April 2012 — The Positive Issue — No.5

April 2012

The Positive Issue No.5

FrontLine

101

FrontLine

101

FrontLine — April 2012 — The Positive Issue — No.5

CAN YOU BEAT THE BEST? After the incredible success of SOLDIER CHALLENGE 2011 we’re taking military training out of the field and bringing it into Central London for a day. SOLDIER CHALLENGE is an urban adventure on the streets of London brought to you for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity by the guys behind the legendary Rat Race.

Whether you find yourself attempting an assault course next to the Thames, abseiling in the City or leopard crawling through Hyde Park, SOLDIER CHALLENGE will make you see the capital in a totally new light. Check out the website to see the adventures of 2011!

OUR SQUAD Y E IS IL B O M AT: ENTER NOW LENGE.CO.UK L A H C R IE D L SO 2012 DATE: 19 MAY EVENT

GOING AWOL OPTION! IS NOT AN

Gifts left to us in wills are our biggest single source of income. Without them, our work simply wouldn’t be possible.

By remembering ABF The Soldier’s Charity in your will, you can ensure that those soldiers risking their lives for us today will have the support they need to deal with the lasting physical and mental scars of war.

For more information, please contact Anna Kapitanec on 0207 901 8908 or akapitanec@soldierscharity.org

Image by Ssgt Mark Jones, RLC; © UK MoD/ Crown Copyright 2012

Remember our soldiers in your will

April 2012

The Positive Issue No.5

02

15

22

Dates for Your Diary

Top 10

Q&A Colin Jackson CBE

Find an event happening near you

Ways to show your support for our soldiers

Three-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist

03

16 — 17

23

Editor’s Letter

Remembering the Falklands

Q&A Lorraine Kelly OBE

With Malcolm Simpson

This year’s Cateran Yomp

MBE 2 PARA

celebrity ambassador

04 — 05

18 — 19

24

The Big Picture

The Sky is No Limit

Opinion

Our first ever digital campaign

Champion skydiver

General Sir Redmond Watt

“Thanks, Soldier!”

Alistair Hodgson’s amazing story

KCB KCVO CBE

06 — 09

20

25

News

Go Team GB!

Goodbye Letter A final farewell from Sir Evelyn

This is the Positive Issue

Catch up on some of our

Capt Nick Beighton, member of

latest events and activities

GB Rowing Team Adaptive Squad

10 — 14

21

25

Our Supporters

Curry Fit for a Queen

Thank You

Five fantastic supporters

The best Lord Mayor’s

To retiring and departing staff

share their stories

Big Curry Lunch yet

On the Front Cover Alistair Hodgson photographed

by Scott Trindle Editor Sara Vanore

Contributors Kirsty Irvine Chi Kavindele Wendy Searle Stephen Steele

Design and Art Direction Marque

Supporters Feature Photography by Scott Trindle

Illustrations James Graham

Print and Print Management Rival PM

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Registered Office: Mountbarrow House 6-20 Elizabeth Street London SW1W 9RB Telephone 020 7901 8900 Facsimile 020 7901 8901 info@soldierscharity.org soldierscharity.org

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).

Please join us on Facebook and Twitter

25

Dates for Your Diary

April to October 2012

23—30

cots Guards Wives Charity Cycle S Challenge John O’Groats to

28

Heriot Row Garden Party

June 02 02

04

ational Street Party Ilchester N Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Broadfield Court Hereford Jubilee Beacon Stowell Park,

04—05

Daredevil Diamond Descent

Gloucestershire The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth 08

11 15 15 17 19 22

eception and Dinner, Bands of the R Parachute Regt and Minden Band of the Queens Division Petwood Hotel Woodhall Spa Raisthorpe Shoot Thixendale, Yorkshire Skydiving Jump Netheravon, Wiltshire Beating Retreat Three Counties Show Malvern Charity Fair, Heritage Day Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Beating Retreat Chevening Estate, Kent

Diamond Jubilee Concert Belfast Hall, Northern Ireland

23

Edinburgh

erth Kilt Challenge Run P Rotary Concert Barbican Centre, York

03 04

Lands End

Outdoor Theatre “Tempest”

August 04—05 07

AF Woodvale rally, paintball and R collection Southport A BF The Soldiers’ Charity Race Day

09—11 17

hrewsbury Flower Show S Beating Retreat Hillsborough

18 18

J Day Glasgow V Southport Flower Show Collection

18-19 24 25 25 30

1 940s Weekend Lytham Beating Retreat Carrickfergus Preston Military Show C artmel Races Collection Cumbria Reception and Beating Retreat, with the Band of the Parachute Regt

Catterick

Castle

Merseyside

Chatsworth Country Fair

31 31 Aug — 02 Sep

Preston Guild Charity Concert Cycle Challenge – Arduous Tasks Sedgefield to Catterick

Stoberry Park, Somerset 29 Jun — 01 Jul

April 18—23

St George’s Day Festival Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

19—20

Scots (Black Watch) 3 Homecoming Parades Forfar, Dundee and Perth

22 26 28

29

Barbury International orse Trials and Wiltshire H County Show Gala Evening Abbotts Ripton

29 30

ilitary Day at St Helens RLFC M A rmed Forces Day Countrywide

30

A rmed Forces Day Ball Newark Showground

30

Polo Dinner and Gala Hurtwood Polo Club, Surrey

Virgin London Marathon The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch Guildhall, London Big Curry Night 207 General

30 Jun — 01 Jul

Hospital, Manchester

The Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp Perthshire, Scotland

02

Fashion Show

Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh

04 05 09 12

ilitary Event, Wigan RLFC M Somerset Diamond Jubilee Event E aton Hall, Reception Chester A BF The Soldiers’ Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot Suffolk VE Day Celebrations Glasgow Big Curry Hereford Racecourse Spring Fair Tennants of

12 15 16—17

Stonehenge Tour Soldier Challenge London Big Curry, 25 Regt RLC Camberley

23—26

Chelsea Flower Show The Royal

High Street, Surrey Hospital Chelsea, London 26

01

27

Dates for Your Diary

Band Concert and Beating Retreat Montacute

08—09 09

outhport Air Show, paintball and S collection P ara 10k Race Catterick Garrison

Skydiving Jump South Cerney

eating Retreat, Band of The B Coldstream Guards and Pipers of The Scots Guards Cranbury Park, Haileybury Tattoo Haileybury College, Hertfordshire

04 05

edgemoor Battlefield Tour S Perth Armed Forces Race Day

06—08 07

ood Fayre Grantham F Buxton Military Tattoo

16 22

Great North Run Newcastle alute our Heroes Concert S

22

Big Curry Victoria Square,

The Sage, Gateshead

24

14

The Dome, Buxton Beating Retreat Hurstmonceux Castle, East Sussex

16

Bonhams Art Valuation Event

18 18—22

heltenham Cricket Festival C Tatton Flower Show Collection

Edinburgh

East Cheshire 20

eception and Beating Retreat, R The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas

21

“ Grab a Curry” cook-off between Army and local chefs

Surrey

Open Invitation Charity Golf Day St Ives, Cambridgeshire

25—26

E arly, Early Christmas Fair Gardens of Tedworth House

27—09 Oct A fghan Memorial Run 30 3 9th Berlin Marathon

Perth Race Course

A bbeystead Clay Pigeon Shoot erchandise Stall at Moira M Game Fair Northen Ireland London BUPA 10K

Portsmouth 04

Chandlers Ford

Lancashire 26—27

0s Day Darwen, Lancashire 4 Fort Nelson Tattoo and Reception

Birmingham 01

Leyburn, North Yorkshire 16 19 19

01 01

14

July May

September

Hall, Cambridge

October 01—31 05—12 05—06 10

A BF The Soldiers’ Charity Big Curry Month UK Soldier Ride A scot Races, Band of the Rifles Clay Pigeon Shoot West London Shooting School

12 13 14

Red, White and Blue Day utumn Band Concert, Band of the A Irish Guards Grantham Liverpool Marathon

Shrewsbury Town Square

2

April 2012

Editor’s Letter

There is so much to be positive about That’s not to say it’s all sunshine and roses in the world — of course it’s not — but when you meet people like Alistair Hodgson you remember the good again. You can’t help but be inspired by his amazing story; that’s why he’s our front cover man. If you need a reason to feel positive, look no further.

Following nearly seven years in hospital being “pieced back together” after a terrorist attack, Alistair has become a four-time national champion and two-time world champion of freestyle skydiving. He is the first person in the world to be taught to skydive without any legs.

Trust us, he’s one to watch.

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, it’s a year of celebration.

We want to take time to salute our supporters and to recognise some of the brilliant work that they do. This year, all-star supporter Emma King is running her third consecutive London Marathon for the Charity. Then there’s Steve Barnsdale who raised over £15,000 for us last year running the Marathon — he hopes to repeat his success in 2012. Both Emma and Steve lost loved ones in Afghanistan: Steve his son David, Emma her friend Jamie. It’s in their memory that they support us.

It’s going to be a year of fantastic feats, and with the Olympics and Paralympic Games nearly upon us, there’s lots to look forward to.

You can make a difference, too. There are so many reasons to support our soldiers and their families and many ways to show your support. Check out page 15 to get some ideas, and be sure to read our Supporters feature story on pages 10-14.

We’ll see people like Capt Nick Beighton, Royal Engineers, injured in Afghanistan, going for Gold with GB Rowing Team Adaptive Squad. The spirit of Britain is alive and well.

There’s no shortage of inspiration.

It’s people like Alistair, Nick, Emma and Steve whose strength shows that something positive can come out of even the most trying of times.

Carpe Diem — Sara Vanore

FrontLine

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Article The Big Title Picture

4

The Big Picture

Thanks, Soldier

“Thanks, Soldier!” is an interactive Union

close, a huge version of the “Thanks,

flag made entirely of Facebook users’

Soldier!” flag was projected onto the

profile pictures. Users simply pop to the

White Cliffs of Dover, showing all our

website and in a couple of clicks they can

soldiers serving abroad how much Britain

get their face on the flag.

appreciates their efforts.

The campaign was an instant hit, proving as popular with celebrities as with our great supporters, and with the likes of Gary Lineker and Joanna Lumley getting behind the campaign. It even attracted the attention of the national press, with a full-page feature in The Sunday Mirror.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ soldierscharity Follow us on Twitter: soldierscharity

To bring the campaign to a triumphant

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News

Our New Chief Executive Martin Rutledge CB OBE

“My first impression is that the Charity is very much like the Army — full of people with energy and ideas who want to do their best.”

The Charity welcomed Major General

at the heart. He very much looks forward

Martin Rutledge CB OBE as Chief

to getting to know those who work for

Executive on 20 February 2012. Having

the Charity, our supporters and, of course,

served in the Army for nearly 36 years,

our beneficiaries.

Martin brings an acute and up-to-date

Energetic, optimistic and ever

understanding of the current situation

hopeful of remaining youthful, Martin

and of future challenges ahead for our

brings a genuine interest and solid logic

soldiers and their families.

to every decision, whether big or small.

“The Army is going through a

Combine this with an interest in the

tremendous upheaval, perhaps the

world of business and politics, and he is

biggest change since the Korean War.

well placed to lead the Charity through

The Charity’s role will become only more

the challenges ahead.

important. As the time nears when

The Charity also welcomes a new

the Army will be less pre-occupied with

President as of 1 April 2012, General Sir

Afghanistan, we must work harder than

Mike Jackson GCB CBE DSO DL.

ever to keep the welfare of our soldiers foremost in people’s minds.

“My first impression is that the Charity is very much like the Army

Quick Fire Round

‒ full of people with energy and ideas

Tea or coffee? Coffee Football or rugby? Rugby The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?

who want to do their best. They seem determined to make a real contribution, and those sorts of people are great fun to work with, and can achieve a great deal.”

Inevitably Martin has had a wide variety of experiences over his years in the

The Rolling Stones Any pets? Two terriers Favourite military movie?

Charge of the Light Brigade

Army, of which people have always been

News

6

News

Yorkshire Post Partnership

The Charity joined forces with the Yorkshire Post for a hugely successful Christmas campaign in 2011. In the five weeks leading up to Christmas, the paper ran stories on our work and beneficiaries including Charity ambassador Cpl Andy Reid (right), as well as covering Army life in the North East and the latest on the Army Recovery Capability.

Joe Shute, reporter for the Yorkshire Post, said: “Our campaign raised more than £11,000 in aid of The Soldiers’ Charity, as well as forging a lot of goodwill towards current and retired soldiers and their families across the region.”

Lieutenant Colonel Brian De La Haye, our Regional Director of Fundraising in the North East, was on hand to oversee the project, including sourcing money-can’t-buy

Image by Scott Trindle

prizes for the online auction.

The British Military Tournament 2012

News

(BMT 2012) will once again be a tri-service

The British Military Tournament

event held at Earls Court on 8 and 9 December. We are immensely proud to be bringing this much-loved event, attended by over 100,000 people, back to life. Over the last two years, BMT has raised over £400,000 towards helping service men and women and their families.

The Tournament 2012 promises to be even more spectacular with state-of-the-art audio-visual displays, special effects and music telling the story of the life of HM The Queen, from her birth in 1926 to the present day.

US Army Drill Team performing at the 2011 BMT

Visit britishmilitarytournament.com to join our mailing list for the latest on tickets and other news

Image by Sampson Lloyd Photography Ltd.

News

The Sunshine Challenge

A trio of intrepid adventurers ‒ Andy North, Dave Edwards and Mike Senior ‒ ran, cycled and kayaked over 2,000 miles from Catterick Garrison in North Yorshire, arriving six weeks later in Gibraltar.

The team has smashed its original fundraising target, raising over £35,000 for The Soldiers’ Charity and the Forces Children’s Trust.

Through England, France and Spain, the endurance challenge involved running 20 miles and cycled 45 miles every day, as well as a channel crossing by kayak.

Having run the equivalent of 25 marathons and cycled 1,500 miles (including part of the Tour De France), the team received a warm welcome from a huge group of supporters and the Gibraltar commander.

They were joined by soldiers from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment who ran to the finish with them.

FrontLine

7

News

Our Biggest Ever Grant Commitment

“The aim of this initiative is to place future employment at the heart of the recovery process.”

Last February, we committed £1.2m over

businesses. The local connection is

the next three years to provide Employment

essential ‒ the Employment Consultants

Consultants in partnership with the

create the necessary links and contacts

Regular Forces Employment Association.

with the community in which these WIS

We have already achieved our initial goal,

soldiers and their families will live.

with nine individuals recruited, trained

Helping them to make a successful

and deployed to Regional Brigades across

transition from military to civilian life,

the country. The Employment Consultants

this investment will ensure that every

are now working closely with Wounded,

WIS soldier is given the best chance for

Injured and Sick (WIS) personnel in the

their future.

Personnel Recovery Units of the Army Recovery Capability.

Colonel Paul Cummings, our Director of Grants and Welfare, says: “The aim of this initiative is to place future employment at the heart of the recovery process.

The early intervention of an Employment Consultant into the development of an Individual Recovery Plan will ensure that Col Helen McMahon MBE, our Deputy Director of Welfare based at the Army Recovery Capability in Andover, with Col Paul Cummings, our Director of Grants and Welfare

News

we are able to give the soldier the very best chance of finding the right job, in the right place, at the right time.”

These Employment Consultants provide the support needed for WIS soldiers

Some Key Facts At The Soldiers’ Charity from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012: Overall expenditure increased by 13% Number of cases rose by 21% Additionally, we managed expenditure of £1.7m in support of wounded, injured and sick soldiers

to find work placements and jobs with local

8

The Row2Recovery team set out to row

News

the Atlantic in December last year to raise

Row2Recovery

money for service charities including The Soldiers’ Charity. The team included four wounded soldiers and former soldiers: Cpl Neil Heritage, Lt Will Dixon, Cpl Rory Mackenzie and LCpl Carl Anstey, and two of the co-founders of the project: Ed Janvrin and Alex Mackenzie. Rowing 3,000 miles, their amazing feat has attracted worldwide media attention.

As well as being well on their way to raising their £1m target, they have also proved an inspiration to many ‒ not only overcoming their own personal injuries but also technical problems to complete their journey across the Atlantic. What an amazing accomplishment!

To donate go to row2recovery.com Image by Brian Finke

News

Tesco Collections

We had a phenomenal response from volunteers who came forward up and down the country to take part in October’s Big Bucket Tesco collection for the Charity.

Army Cadets, Territorial and Regular Soldiers and members of the public all joined together to raise a fantastic £361,000. Three generations of one family collected over £800 in the Bambridge store in Northern Ireland, and many other stores hosted special events during the weekend to help raise funds. We are hugely grateful to all those who collected and donated and are delighted with the generous support of Tesco customers, which will help so many soldiers, former soldiers and their families who are in need. It was a fantastic example of communities working together locally as part of a nationwide effort to

Image by Andy Barnham

News

Rotary Latest

support our soldiers.

The Rotary Club in the North East

Rotary District 1040 has a great local

region has been working closely with us

network of people across the Yorkshire

on The Yorkshire Challenge. As part of

community. It is hoped that The Soldiers’

this initiative, Rotary District 1040 has

Charity’s relationship with Rotary will be

given its full backing to fundraising for

extended across other areas of the UK in

the Individual Recovery Plans, which

the near future.

our Charity is supporting.

Together, we are raising funds that will directly help soldiers in Personnel Recovery Units. These funds will help soldiers gain the experience and skills they need to return to duty or to make a

District 1040 has 79 Rotary Clubs across the county. To find out more visit rotary1040.org

successful transition to a civilian career.

David Wood, The Soldiers’ Charity Rotary Project Officer, is delighted with the progress made so far. He says: “Rotary clubs in District 1040 have responded with amazing generosity ‒ raising funds and offering vocational support to soldiers as

Watch our video “ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Rotary” about The Yorkshire Challenge on our YouTube page: youtube.com/user/ SoldiersCharity

part of their Individual Recovery Plans.”

FrontLine

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Feature

Celebrating Our Supporters The Soldiers’ Charity has thousands of dedicated supporters.

Some have relationships with the Army. Some don’t. Some are old. Some are young. Some remain anonymous. What we share is a common belief that our soldiers, former soldiers and their families are deserving of support. It is the commitment of our supporters that ensures we can be there ‒ year after year ‒ for all those who need us. We want to celebrate our supporters, recognising their fantastic work that keeps us strong. Here are the stories of Steve, Neil, Will, Gill and Emma.

Article Feature Title

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Steve Barnsdale Fallen Soldier’s Father Steve's son, Cpl David Barnsdale, joined the Army when he was 16 years old. In 2010, at the age of 24, David was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving in Afghanistan. Since then, the Barnsdale family has done much for The Soldiers' Charity in David's memory.

Last year, Steve ran the Virgin London Marathon for the Charity, raising an outstanding £15,000. Steve credits his fundraising success to the amazing support he received from friends, family, work colleagues and, in particular, from the people in his hometown of Tring, Hertfordshire.

“I intend to run the Marathon again in 2012. It was a terrific experience last year but very emotional. But it’s a great way of giving back. Every time I am training I think of David ‒ he gets me through it.

“I want to help The Soldiers’ Charity because for me, its importance is in its support for some of the younger soldiers.

When they leave the Army and don’t have a family to go back to, or when they fall on hard times, The Soldiers’ Charity truly helps people in their time of need. But it’s not just support for active soldiers, it’s also support for World War II veterans and the like ‒ the Charity looks after all soldiers.”

Neil Gow Former Army Officer, Scots Guards From Germany then Canada, to two tours

“The Charity is a great organisation because I truly believe it is out for the soldier. Of all the charities, I believe The Soldiers’ Charity is the one that is truly there. It wears its heart on its sleeve and does what it says it will.”

F Company that I really started to get

finally finishing with F Company in

involved with The Soldiers’ Charity.

Wellington Barracks, London, Neil Gow

There was no limit to what we could do.

served with The Scots Guards for nearly

We have a lot of people in the community

eight years before leaving last February.

who care about our Forces, so we had a

Making the transition from military to

lot of people who wanted to give and show

civilian life has been a big change, but he

that they really do care.”

says one thing that remains the same is his support for The Soldiers’ Charity.

“The Charity is a great organisation because I truly believe it is out for the soldier. Of all the charities, I believe The

Neil is currently training for the 2012 Virgin London Marathon, running with three former comrades as part of Team Soldiers’ Charity: “I’m hoping to raise quite a lot of

Soldiers’ Charity is the one that is truly

money. The idea is that I’ll put in a good

there. It wears its heart on its sleeve and

time, raise a lot of money and help out

does what it says it will.”

some deserving guys.

While with F Company, Neil

FrontLine

“It was during my time with

of Afghanistan, then up to North Yorkshire,

“One day, soon enough, we won’t

commanded over 100 soldiers and was

be in Afghanistan... and that is actually

instrumental in galvanising support for

when soldiers will need the most amount

The Soldiers’ Charity among his men.

of help. For that reason we need to get

From skydiving and marathons to bucket

involved with The Soldiers’ Charity, and

collections and events, the unit has become

we need to remain involved so we can

a tremendous supporter of the Charity.

continue giving to those who need it most.”

11

Will Wynell-Mayow Cadet, Cambridge University OTC Will is part of the terrific Cambridge

Soldier Challenge, running the BUPA

University Officer Training Corps (OTC),

London 10k, Virgin London Marathon and

which has been tirelessly raising

the Great North Run, and skydiving with

awareness of the Charity and its cause

the Tigers Parachute Display Team.

among its fellow students on campus.

“It’s our friends who are going to

Last year, they even created their own event, The Varsity Triple Crown

serve abroad, and we know how much

Challenge. Eight cadets from Cambridge

help people can need afterwards. We’re

OTC and eight from Oxford OTC

just helping to bring the Charity to

completed a 1,000-mile cycling tour across

everyone’s attention.

the country to raise funds for the Charity.

“The great thing about The Soldiers’

This year they’ll travel to Scotland to take

Charity is that it is really diverse. It works

on the ‘‘54 miles in 24 hours” Cateran

with soldiers. It works with their families.

Yomp challenge.

It works with veterans. It really helps

Their Commanding Officer

across the board. That’s why we decided

Lt Col Seb Pollington says, “Our cadets

to make it our Charity of the Year in 2010,

have considerable pride in supporting

and it has been our Charity since then.”

The Soldiers’ Charity. There’s a real desire

The Cambridge OTC has raised more

“It’s our friends who are going to serve abroad, and we know how much help people can need afterwards. We’re just helping to bring the Charity to everyone’s attention.”

among students to do more to support

than £30,000 for us since 2009. They’ve

their generation serving in the Army and

done nearly everything ‒ taking part in

its national charity.”

Gill Wootton Mother of TA Soldier Gill’s son, Tom, died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage, at the age of 27, after collapsing at work.

“A cadet from 13, Tom joined the TA while at university and ultimately took command of his Regimental Recruiting Team. Tom loved his time in the Army.

That’s why we approached The Soldiers’ Charity to leave a lasting tribute in his memory. We chose The Soldiers’ Charity because we believe that it supports soldiers when they need it most, offering practical support when they’re having financial or other difficulties, and that’s so important.”

Since the Woottons first came to the Charity with an “In Memory” donation for Tom, they have gone on to become very involved with our West Midlands County Committee, volunteering for local collections and community fundraising events and even holding their own Big Curry lunch. Gill and her husband have also offered us their skills and expertise in trust fundraising.

“Tom so enjoyed his time in the Army ‒ our continued support of The Soldiers’ Charity is a way of us remembering him, of celebrating his short life and love of the Army.”

Feature

12

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13

“I think of what Jamie sacrificed for our country and what tough times soldiers go through when they’re out in Afghanistan.

What I’m doing is nothing in comparison to what they do.”

Emma King Friend of Soldier Killed in Action In February 2009, Emma’s friend

An article went in the local paper

Rfn Jamie Gunn died when his vehicle

recently, and there is another one going

hit an IED in Afghanistan. He was only

in the South Wales Argus.”

21 years old. In Jamie’s memory, Emma

Emma got her local Spirit of

has dedicated herself to fundraising for

Monmouth Running Club involved

the Charity.

too. They’ve done a Santa Run for the

“The Charity was a massive support

last two years and organised charity

to Jamie’s family, and I wanted to do

netball matches as well as a variety

something for it because it was such a

of community fundraising.

big help to the Gunns at a really sad time in their life.”

Emma has already run the Virgin

“I think of what Jamie sacrificed for our country and what tough times soldiers go through when they’re out in

London Marathon twice to raise money

Afghanistan. What I’m doing is nothing

for us and will be running it for a third

in comparison to what they do.

consecutive time this year. She has

“I think what The Soldiers’ Charity

set herself an overall target of £10,000

does is amazing. How it’s helped families,

for her triple marathon challenge and

how it’s helped soldiers and ex-soldiers

has already raised over £7,000 thanks

to move on with their lives is really key,

to the brilliant support of the

and I’d like to think that I’m part of

Monmouth community.

helping people with that.”

“I think nearly everyone in Monmouth

Emma has been chosen as an

wears a Soldiers’ Charity wristband ‒

Olympic torch bearer in recognition of

quite frequently people are asking me

her outstanding Charity fundraising

for them. I work for Barclays and people

efforts. She is one of only two selected

will go into a branch in Monmouth and

across the whole county of Monmouthshire.

give sponsorship money for me.

Congratulations Emma!

Feature

Thank you once again to all our supporters for everything you do.

14

The Soldiers’ Charity

Top 10 Ways to Support Our Soldiers

* Text costs your donation amount plus network charge.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity receives 100% of your donation.

Obtain bill payers permission.

Customer care 08448479800.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).

FrontLine

Enter Soldier Challenge

Follow Us on Social Media

Put your physical and mental skills

Facebook.com/soldierscharity

to the test by signing up for our

Twitter: soldierscharity

Soldier Challenge event ‒ register

LinkedIn: search The Soldiers’ Charity

at soldierchallenge.co.uk

Flickr.com/groups/soldierscharity

Run a Marathon

Become a Regular Giver

The Virgin London Marathon, Great

Not much time to give but want to make

North Run, BUPA 10K, Berlin Marathon

a difference? Set up a standing order or

and plenty others are happening

become a payroll giver. To find out more,

throughout the year.

contact akapitanec@soldierscharity.org

Organise Your Own Event

Prefer to Give Time Rather than Money?

Your choice ‒ organise your own

Volunteer at one of our local events.

fundraising event to benefit the Charity.

Contact your Charity regional office to

Get inspiration from other supporter

find out more. Details can be found at

stories on pages 10–14.

soldierscharity.org/about-us/contact-us/

Up for Something Adventurous?

Give by Text

Try the Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp

Text ARMY5 to 70004 and send us a £3

or a Charity skydive ‒ experiences of

donation. Increase your donation

a lifetime, all for a good cause!

by texting ARMY5 £5 or ARMY5 £10*

Corporate Partnership

Enjoy Online Shopping?

Get your company involved by

Try the Give as you Live scheme:

becoming a corporate partner.

when you shop online you can donate to

Contact amiller@soldiercharity.org

us. Retailers include Amazon, Tesco and

to find out more.

British Airways. Visit giveasyoulive.com

15

Interview

Remembering the Falklands

The Soldiers’ Charity speaks to Malcolm Simpson MBE about his time in the Falkland Islands with 2 Parachute Regiment.

Article Interview Title

16

Left By permission of The Imperial War Museums. FKD 2768 Right Malcolm Simpson, in Port Stanley, 1982

Over his 40-year career in the Army, Malcolm Simpson was

“I was never too bothered about going back to be honest

deployed on operations across the globe including the conflict in

because, as I say, I had been involved in other conflicts. But when

the South Atlantic. In 1982, as the Regimental Sergeant Major

I did go back for the first time, I suddenly realised what a great

of the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, he was sent

weight it took off my shoulders ‒ it actually cleared the air. My

to the Falkland Islands with what was then 3 Commando Brigade.

first visit back to the Islands was, certainly mentally, the best

Twenty five years later, Malcolm was the Chairman of the SAMA82 Pilgrimage Committee, responsible for organising

thing I could have done.”

The Soldiers’ Charity has helped fund the SAMA82

visits back to the Islands for veterans of the conflict and for family

pilgrimages for a number of years. Malcolm himself has

members whose loved ones were killed in action. He retired

accompanied nearly 140 people back in small groups. He joined

from this post in 2011.

around 200 others who were part of the 25th Anniversary pilgrimage, many were Army personnel funded by The Soldiers’

“From the day I joined until the day I retired, I never regretted one second.

There were some good times and there were some bad times, but all in all, it was a tremendous life the Army gave me.”

Charity.

“We have been blessed with an organization ‒ The Soldiers’ Charity ‒ which is designed to look after the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-soldiers and their families, and it is almost undoubtedly one of the first ports of call for any soldier who is in need of help.

I turned to them when I needed funding for SAMA82.”

While now retired, Malcolm’s affinity with the Army remains: “From the day I joined until the day I retired, I never regretted

Describing the importance of the pilgrimages, Malcolm explains that it is a chance for former soldiers “to go back to where their life changed completely.” He has seen first-hand

one second. There were some good times and there were some bad times, but all in all, it was a tremendous life the Army gave me.

“Watching TV and seeing the present generation currently

what a positive impact this can have, in particular on mental

in Afghanistan and prior to that in Iraq, I fight every battle with

wellbeing and attitude; for families of the fallen, it is just as

them, and I am still as proud of them as I was of my comrades

important. Malcolm says:

years ago.”

“It’s the families who surprise me more than anything else. They have come back with a completely different outlook on why we were there in the first place.

“When they visit, and see and meet the people of the Falkland Islands, when they see where their loved one fell and the commemorations that are there, I think that gives them a bit of peace.”

Malcolm organised pilgrimages back to the Falklands for four years. For him personally, Malcolm didn’t think it would

This summer, Malcolm will be joined by other veterans of the Airbourne Forces to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. The commemorative weekend will take place in Aldershot on Sunday, 17 June.

For more information on this and other events visit sama82.org.uk

mean so much to go back:

FrontLine

17

Interview

Skydiver Alistair Hodgson

Four-time National Champion. Two-time World Champion.  1 Silver. 1 Bronze. This year going for Gold.

Article Interview Title

18

From their skydiving adventures — Alistair and Pixie

A former Private in the Parachute Regiment, Alistair Hodgson

“The problem was that we had no money, so we couldn’t

was injured by a terrorist bomb in Northern Ireland in 1992.

carry on with what we were doing. And we were at the level

Suffering severe injuries including the loss of both legs, a broken

where if we stopped training we were going to fall behind

arm, broken pelvis and fractured spine, he spent the following

everyone else, and we’d never get that chance to be the top of

seven years in hospital, where Alistair says he was “pieced

the skydiving world.”

back together.”

Following such horrific injuries, no one would have guessed what would happen next.

It was in 2002 that a good friend of Alistair’s suggested

That’s when The Soldiers’ Charity stepped in. The Charity paid for training jumps, wind tunnel training, competition entry fees, travel and accommodation.

“Without the help of The Soldiers’ Charity, we wouldn’t have

skydiving when the two met kayaking in the Lake District on

got to where we have over the last two years. Hopefully this year

an outdoor pursuits weekend.

we’ll really nail it and come home with Gold.

Recalling his initial plunge two and half miles above the

“Winning wouldn’t just be for me. Hopefully the things that

ground, Alistair describes the tandem skydive as, “the coolest

I do will encourage people with similar injuries to think, ‘well

thing I’ve ever done. I just thought wow, I gotta do that again.”

maybe if he can do that, I can do this.’ I hope I provide inspiration ‒ that someone like me, as severely injured as I am,

“Without the help of The Soldiers’ Charity, we wouldn’t have got to where we have over the last two years.”

can compete with able-bodied people in such a dynamic sport and win, maybe even be the best in the world at it.

“I was lucky in the respect that nobody ever told me that I wouldn’t be able to do certain things. At no point in my skydiving career or in any of the other things I wanted to do, did anybody

“When you jump out of a plane, it’s not an exit, it’s an entrance. It’s an entrance into a completely different world.”

After three more tandem skydives and weekend after weekend

ever say to me, ‘No, you won’t be able to do that.’

“It was only afterwards that I found out that I was the first person in the world to be taught to skydive without any legs.

spent at a drop zone, the chief instructor and owner of the centre

There were other skydivers who had lost limbs, but they were

approached Alistair about doing a course.

already skydivers beforehand.”

“I said, am I allowed to do a course because of how I am?

He said, leave it with me, I’ll speak with the safety and training guys. If they say it’s ok, we’ll put you on your first jump course ‒ if you survive that, you’ll go on the next one.

Over the past eight years, Alistair has proved that even the sky is not the limit.

“There’s a saying in skydiving: if you don’t skydive, there is no explanation. If you are a skydiver, no explanation is needed.”

“I survived,” Alistair says with a grin. “It was just a bit of fun ‒ and then I decided to start competing in 2003.”

Since then, Alistair’s won a medal at national level every year apart from 2004. This is from someone who only started skydiving in 2002. Alistair and his wife, Pixie, now compete

Inspired by Alistair’s story? Sign up for your tandem jump with the Army’s Parachute Display Team at soldierscharity.org

together and are the reigning British Freestyle Champions.

FrontLine

19

Insider’s View

Go Team GB! Capt Nick Beighton, Royal Engineers, with GB Rowing Team Adaptive Squad

“You have to push yourself, and it’s painful most of the time. You’re tired, but you’ve got to keep going. Those are things that the Army teaches you.”

In October 2009, Capt Nick Beighton

keep going. Those are things that the Army

was severely injured by an improvised

teaches you.”

explosive device (IED) in Helmand

Through the Quick Reaction Fund,

province, Afghanistan, resulting in the

The Soldiers’ Charity has administered

loss of his legs. Less than three years after

three grants to Nick. One of the grants was

receiving these injuries, Nick is part of

funding for a hand cycle, which he used to

GB Team Rowing Adaptive Squad ‒ a

compete in The Great North Run in 2010

sport he had never tried until he attended

and is using for his current training.

a Paralympic Talent ID Day four months after he got injured.

Nick says, “One of the things that

“It turns out that a lot of the crosstraining we do for the rowing is hand cycling so it’s been priceless. I’m going off

initially attracted me to rowing was that

on a hand cycling camp with GB Team

it’s something new. You go through a real

Rowing as part of our training, and I am

identity crisis when you’re first injured.

going to be using the bike I got, so it’s

All those things you used to define yourself

really useful.”

by ‒ all the sport and the activities you

Knowing first-hand the difference

did ‒ suddenly they’re gone. I needed to

that a grant can make, Nick urges others

go out and prove to myself that I could still

to support service charities like

achieve these things. “

The Soldiers’ Charity:

Before he was injured, Nick stood at

“In five, ten years’ time, who’s going

6ft 7in tall, weighing about 105 kilos. When

to be aware and interested in how soldiers

he completed his application form at the

are still coping with the injuries that they’ve

talent day, they identified him straight

got? Service charities, like The Soldiers’

away as a potential rower with an ideal

Charity, are there to represent us and our

build for the sport.

needs and to offer that lifelong support.”

At the World Championships last September, Nick and his rowing

The Soldiers’ Charity wishes Nick the best of luck at the 2012 Games!

partner Sam qualified their boat for the Paralympics. In rowing, it is the boat that qualifies, rather than the people in it. This summer, Nick will know if he’ll be part of the selected team.

“Being able to compete at the Paralympics, so soon after being injured, would be an amazing opportunity,” he says.

Image of Nick Beighton and his rowing partner Sam Photography by Peter Spurrier, Intersport Images/GB Rowing

Insider’s View

His time in the Army has been a big influence on his rowing success: “It’s a demanding sport. You have to push yourself, and it’s painful most of

There are 20 sports in the Paralympic programme for the London 2012 Games.

The Paralympic Rowing events take place on 31 August — 2 September, Eton Dorney Venue Visit london2012.com/ paralympic for more information

the time. You’re tired, but you’ve got to

20

Event

The Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch

“As the mother of one of The Soldiers’ Charity’s beneficiaries, seeing so many different people contributing to such a wonderful cause left Stephen and I with a really warm feeling.”

Fran Shine mother of Trooper Stephen Shine

“I’ve attended the event since its inception. The opportunity to relax and talk to clients and friends in as historic a location as London’s Guildhall is an occasion I look forward to every year.”

Chris Ward Ward Consultancy

“The prizes I bid for were all unique experiences that were not available elsewhere, and all three I bought delivered truly memorable days out.”

Jim Cochrane Guest

Ever since thousands of British soldiers

Army bomb disposal expert recently

were stationed on the Indian Subcontinent

returned from tour.

in the 18th and 19th centuries, curry has

Through ticket sales, a silent auction

become a favourite tradition of the British

and a prize draw, this year we aim to raise

Army that can now be spotted almost

£225,000. Since 2008, the Lunch has raised

anywhere, from the Officers’ Mess to the

over £630,000 for the Charity’s Current

kitchens in Afghanistan.

Operations Fund, which helps soldiers like

In honour of our much-loved curry, for the fifth year running, The Soldiers’

Trooper Stephen Shine.

Stephen was severely injured in Iraq,

Charity and the Lord Mayor of the City of

resulting in the loss of his left leg.

London bring you the annual Lord Mayor’s

Negotiating the layout of his mother’s home

Big Curry Lunch. In recognition of

in London ‒ both during his immediate

our patron, Her Majesty The Queen’s sixty

recovery and subsequently when home on

years on the throne, this year the Lunch

leave ‒ was tough, tedious and exhausting.

has been granted royal permission to call

The Charity funded a ground level shower

itself The Lord Mayor’s Diamond Jubilee

in the home to make his life a little easier.

Big Curry Lunch.

Field Marshal HRH The Duke of Kent will be our principal guest and will join diplomats, parliamentarians, recently returned soldiers, senior personnel from

Image of The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, 2011 Image by Miranda Parry

FrontLine

the Army and up to 1,000 other guests from all walks of life for the Lunch. With no reserved seating, you could be sitting next

The Lord Mayor’s Diamond Jubilee Big Curry Lunch is on 26 April. Tickets are £95. Visit bigcurry.org or telephone 020 7811 3202.

to the Secretary of State for Defence or an

21

Q&A

Colin Jackson CBE

“British success is very important — that will always set the tone for these Games.”

110m hurdler Colin Jackson ranked in the world top ten for 16 years, was World No.1 from 1992–1994 and, for the last seven years of his career, was never out of the world’s top three. He still holds the World Record set in 1994 over 60m hurdles indoors and has only recently been robbed of his 13-year World Record over 110m outdoors (set in Stuttgart in 1993).

TSC: You’re attending our Lord Mayor’s

Big Curry Lunch ‒ the twin themes this year are The Olympics and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. What was it like collecting your CBE from the Queen?

CJ: Collecting my CBE was a great

honour. I was not expecting the medal, so it was a great surprise. The Queen was lovely as always.

TSC: We have quite a few sporting

challenges as fundraisers each year.

The Soldiers’ Charity: What are you most

Which of these would be more up your

looking forward to about the Olympics?

street: (a) fall 15,000 feet from the sky;

(b) run for 26 miles; or (c) trek for 54 miles?

Colin Jackson: British success is very

important ‒ that will always set the tone for

these Games. How could I not also say the

done one before, but can’t remember

Men’s 100m final!

too much!

TSC: How many Golds do you think

Team GB will win?

CJ: I’d like us to match our team tally

from Beijing.

CJ: The skydive sounds great. I have

TSC: In six words or less, why are you

supporting The Soldiers’ Charity?

CJ: Stands for passion, drive and

ambition.

TSC: The Soldiers’ Charity is

supporting a number of paralympians like Capt Nick Beighton and Cpl Terry Byrne.

Any advice for them?

CJ: My advice would be to enjoy sport.

Whatever level you reach, the process getting there is tough, but think of all the good times you have had along the way, and the sense of pride you feel after you

Join Colin Jackson CBE at our Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch on 26 April.

For tickets, visit bigcurry.org or telephone 020 7811 3202.

have competed well.

Q&A

22

Q&A

Lorraine Kelly OBE

Lorraine Kelly – TV presenter, journalist and Dundee United Fan – is our celebrity ambassador for this year’s Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp. This is her exclusive interview for FrontLine.

life skills and giving them a chance to feel proud of themselves. Many of them actually meet good friends for life through the Cadets. Whatever they decide to do in the future, whether it is joining the Armed Forces or not, they will be a better person

The Soldiers’ Charity: Congratulations

“An epic adventure for walkers of all abilities to embrace the beautiful Scottish countryside and raise money for fantastic causes.”

for having been part of it.

on your OBE for your work with charities

and the Armed Forces. How does it feel?

distance walks before ‒ have you any top

tips for our yompers?

Lorraine Kelly: I was so thrilled and

TSC: You have taken part in long

honoured to be awarded an OBE. It was a

real surprise, but obviously the people who

break in your boots. Take some blister

really deserve awards are our brave Armed

plasters with you and pack some snacks,

Forces and the charity workers at the

like flapjacks, for energy. Also, if you can,

coalface who do such a brilliant job.

when you’re half way round put on some

TSC: We are delighted that you are an

foot cream and change your socks. Remain

ambassador for the Alliance Trust Cateran

cheerful, keep each other going with banter

Yomp. Let’s test your skills ‒ sell the event

and look out for each other. And be sure to

in 30 words or less.

drink plenty of water. Good luck!

LK: You need to train properly and

LK: An epic adventure for walkers

of all abilities to embrace the beautiful Scottish countryside and raise money for fantastic causes.

TSC: What is the best thing about

Join Lorraine Kelly OBE for this year’s Cateran Yomp, 30 June — 1 July.

coming from Scotland?

LK: I think it is our sense of humour,

our shared culture and that sense of belonging.

TSC: Let’s hear a good Scottish joke?

LK: I don’t know any clean ones!

TSC: You are Honorary Colonel of

the Black Watch Cadets, how did this come about?

LK: I was asked to be Honorary Colonel

Register now and help raise vital funds for The Soldiers’ Charity. Teams of three to six people can take on 22, 36.5 or even the fearsome 52 miles in just 24 hours across the remote and stunning region of Perthshire and Angus.

to try and help promote the amazing work of our Cadets. I salute the adult volunteers who give their time and energy to helping young people. Being a cadet brings out the Image by Alan Richardson

FrontLine

Visit soldierscharity.org/ yomp or email yomp@soldierscharity.org

very best in young people, teaching them

23

Opinion

Why the Work of The Soldiers’ Charity is So Important

By General Sir Redmond Watt KCB KCVO CBE Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea President of Combat Stress and a founding trustee of the On Course Foundation

As Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, as well as President of Combat Stress and a founding trustee of the On Course Foundation, General Sir Redmond Watt is deeply involved with Service charities. He has worked closely with The Soldiers’ Charity on a number of projects. This is his perspective on why the work of our charity is so important.

Soldiers’ Charity. Many support the Charity directly, most notably by helping collect money on occasions such as the Chelsea Flower Show and the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch.

As President of Combat Stress, I have valued The Soldiers’ Charity as an important partner in helping us to keep improving our services for ex-servicemen and women suffering from psychological

“Throughout my 36 years in the Army,

injury. Demand for the services of Combat

I always thought we were fortunate indeed

Stress has nearly doubled over the last

to have The Soldiers’ Charity ‒ our own

seven years, and we now have nearly 5,000

charity ‒ at the heart of supporting soldiers

veterans in the UK on our books. The

in need. The Charity’s role has never been

Soldiers’ Charity is funding the work of our

more important than during the last decade

London Community Outreach Team and

of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am

makes a generous contribution to the

grateful for this opportunity to thank

costs of running our three residential

The Soldiers’ Charity for the great support

treatment centres.

that it gives to the charities in which

“Throughout my 36 years in the Army, I always thought we were fortunate indeed to have The Soldiers’ Charity — our own charity — at the heart of supporting soldiers in need.”

I am involved.

After a successful appeal, to which

Image by Miranda Parry

Opinion

thank The Soldiers’ Charity for its

The Soldiers’ Charity made a significant

encouragement and support towards this

contribution, the Royal Hospital Chelsea

very new charity when it was set up in 2010.

opened its new Infirmary in 2009. The

Last year, The Soldiers’ Charity committed

Infirmary provides a state-of-the-art care

funds to help us to provide training for

home with nursing and a GP medical

disabled servicemen and ex-servicemen,

centre. Its resident matron, doctor and care

in order to build their confidence and assist

teams help the Chelsea Pensioners to be

them in finding employment opportunities

among the fittest of their generation.

in the golf industry.

The Royal Hospital has now embarked

Image of Chelsea Pensioners at The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, 2011

Finally, as a founding trustee of the On Course Foundation, I would like to

The Soldier’s Charity plays a key role in

on a project to replace the traditional

assisting the regimental and other charities

rooms, known as “berths,” with modern

which are doing so much to look after

en-suite bedrooms with private studies.

soldiers and their families. I know that

This will help ensure we continue to

Chelsea Pensioners, Combat Stress and On

provide a fitting home for old and infirm

Course veterans would join me in thanking

soldiers in the 21st century.

the Charity, its staff and volunteers for their

The Pensioners ‒ former noncommissioned officers or soldiers of the British Army whose average age is 82 ‒ greatly value their strong links with The

dedicated support.”

Letter

Goodbye Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO OBE DL

This is my brief letter of farewell to the

for the moment, so I will be able to keep my

Charity, which I have led for the last eight

hand in and remain in touch.

and a half years. It has been an exhilarating

supporters who have stood by the Charity

I have simply loved. I have been lucky to be

these past few years. Their support, both

able to help a cause with which I have been

financial and moral, has meant that we can

associated all my life.

fulfil our promise to soldiers, former

I arrived in August of 2003, at a time when the Army was as fully extended as it

To retiring and departing staff

distressing to see, and we have done all that

Charity, and I have thoroughly enjoyed

we can to help. It has been a real spur to

working with them.

So I wish my successor every good fortune for the future. I know he will find it

Over my time in the chair, I have much

as satisfying as I have. There may be

admired the dedicated work of all volunteer

challenges still to come but he is well

committees. I will, myself, continue as a

equipped to meet them head on.

chairman of a County Committee, at least

We especially thank Major General Sir

EW-C : 14.02.2012

Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO OBE DL for his

Thank you to Major General Denis Ryan CB. During 18 years of loyal service,

immense contribution over the past eight

Denis has done a wonderful job raising

and a half years. Amongst his many

funds and maintaining links in the

achievements was bringing back the Royal

county. One of his particular successes

Tournament in its new guise as the British

was the Annual Concert in St Chads

Military Tournament. We wish him, Celia,

Church, Shrewsbury.

his family and ‘Mr Stitch’ all the very best.

We give our heartfelt thanks to

After almost two decades heading up the outstanding work of our North East

General The Lord Guthrie GCB LVO OBE DL, our President since 2001 following a

office, Brigadier Jeremy Gaskell OBE has

long and very distinguished military career.

his wife Jackie for their tireless support.

He has been hugely supportive, guiding

stepped down. Thank you to Jeremy and

Jane Ingram has retired from the

the Charity over the past 11 years through

North East office after 23 years’ sterling

times of significant transition.

service and fundraising success. Jane was

Thank you to Major General Murray

FrontLine

Finally, there are the staff with whom I have worked. I have many friends in the

in need.

Thank You

soldiers and their families.

ever has been. The casualties have been

our endeavours to be a safety net for those

Image of Sir Evelyn at the British Military Tournament, 2011

I also would like to thank the many

experience, and it has been a task that

at the centre of the network of supporters

Wildman CBE, who joined the Charity as

in the area and will be very much missed

Wiltshire Chairman in 2000. Through his network of contacts, he enabled the

We also said goodbye to Helen Chalmers, who for two years headed up

County to achieve its best-ever fundraising

major projects including the regional

performance in 2010/11.

co-ordination of our Tesco collection.

27

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Article Title

FL 0412

Image by Sgt Anthony Boocock, RLC; © UK MoD/Crown Copyright 2012

I would like to Gift Aid all donations I have made to ABF The Soldiers’

100