Gaz Meekins in Nepal Challenge
C/Sgt Gary ‘Gaz’ Meekins in 2010 had an arm amputated after a car accident. Since then he has remained fit and positive, and still plays golf and skis.
Along with fellow Para Chris Watts, CSgt Johnny Piper (Royal Irish) and Sgt Babs Vinden-Cantrell (Medic), he trekked 182km in Nepal, reaching an altitude of 4130m.
The expedition to Nepal was a real challenge as well as therapy and a chance to help the Charity. The expedition cost was paid so all money goes to the Charity.
Gaz joined the Paras in 1976 as a Junior and served in the Falklands, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Canada, America, Jordan, Zimbabwe, France, and Belize. To support him in his challenge for the charity please donate.
Gaz carries with him a flag that fundraisers have so far taken to Southend and Arnhem. After the Himalayas, where next?
Billy cycles JOGLE for Paracharity
Billy Dickinson, 72, (also known as 23526766 Pte Dickinson 1st Bn D Coy and Signals Platoon Spt Coy 1957-1960) has ridden from Land’s End to John O’Groats and raised £1000 for the Charity. Here he congratulates fellow rider, Stan, 82!
This is a great achievement at any age. Stats: 19 cycling days, distance covered 1086 miles, time taken 97 hrs 41m 25s. Elevation gained 62,482 ft. Avrge speed 10.9 mph. Average bike cadence 58 revs prr min and total calories used 25,250.Max speed 35, and downhill in excess of 40 mph.
To congratulate Billy you can still donate online here. Put your feet up and have a beer, Billy.
Read more about some of the drama on the way here.
Marathon Men in New York for Paracharity
L/Cpl Robert Fisher, 3PARA, ran the 2011 New York City Marathon for The Parachute Regiment Charity. His last marathon was in Afghanistan.
With SSgt Gavin Kirk and Pte David Ashton, the ’3PARA Gym’ team tabbed NYC on Sunday, November 6th.
Rob ran a marathon while serving in Afghanistan in March. Wearing body armour and carrying a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), he ran 26 times round his base at Shahzad in temperatures over 40° C.
‘Hoo-Ra’
Private Jaco van Gass tells the story of the wounded heroes who competed in the 35th U.S. MARINE CORPS MARATHON
Sunday 31st October 2010, 0700 in the beautiful city of Washington DC. Watching the sunrise as we wait at the start, our team of five is confident but the inevitable anxiety is making itself known. We have a long way to go and are all desperate to get started. We stand to attention for the US national anthem, the supporting crowd cheers and with a final salute it’s time to start the race.
Our journey began on the previous Thursday at Heathrow Airport, where the team (Capt Mike Kerrigan, Cpl Peter McCoombe, Cpl Tom Neathway, Pte Kierhan Dry and Pte Jaco van Gass) formed up. All but Mike had been wounded in Afghanistan and therefore the team had a special interest in raising awareness and funds for the Parachute Regiment Charity … Read more
St George rides again in the City in support of the Charity
On April 23rd 2010, The Parachute Regiment took part in the St George’s Day Pageant in the City of London, organised by the Armourers & Brasiers Company. The Band, Colours and mascot of the Regiment marched with St George on horseback and members of the Worshipful Company.
This revives a tradition not seen in the City since 1585, and will benefit The Parachute Regiment Charity and the Gauntlet Trust of the Armourers & Brasiers Company.
Guildhall Para Charity Dinner
The Helium Foundation ran a Gala Dinner in aid of The Parachute Regiment Charity in June at the Guildhall in the City of London. Electric classical quartet Escala entertained diners, and Maj Gen Jonathan Shaw CBE, Colonel Commandant gave an address. Each table was joined by a serving officer/NCO. An auction was held for some fabulous and sought after lots, including a unique Parachute Regiment watch created by Ellicott.
Support from Braveheart
Godfrey McFall OBE presented The Parachute Regiment Charity, with a cheque for £1000. In April ’10 Godfrey successfully completed the 200-mile Coast To Coast walk, to raise money for The Braveheart Programme and The Parachute Regiment Charity.
