Para Dad World Record for Charity
This is Martin Chester, just after he finished a Cross Trainer Marathon in 1:48:39 which should be certified as a new World Record.
Martin has a son serving in 2PARA – spot the Paracharity T-shirt – and says ‘sore feet and legs but back in work today.’ All 5 days befiore Christmas too!
You can still sponsor him online – surely such an effort deserves your support http://www.justgiving.com/
Thanks, Martin- now put your feet up!
Miss England supports Para Charity
Alize Mounter, Miss England, who was just pipped to the Miss World title, skydived with the Red Devils to support the Charity.
Alize, 22, said ”I have many family members in the armed forces and feel that this charity is personal to me because we should all support and honour our men that fight for our country and risks their lives.”
Read more and see more photos and video.
Arnhem Commem Mugs
A supporter is selling these specially designed mugs through his EBay store. Another version shows Parachute Regiment uniforms through the years since 1940.
For each mug sold, a donation is made to the Charity.
Purchase online here
Gaz Meekins in Nepal Challenge
Airborne at Annapurna
I am C/Sgt Gary ‘Gaz’ Meekins. In 2010 I had an arm amputated after a car accident. Since then I have remained fit and positive, and still play golf and ski.
I am due for more surgery soon to reduce or remove my neuropathic pain.
The expedition to Nepal is a real challenge as well as therapy for me. It’s also a chance to to help the Charity and its soldiers and families. The expedition cost is paid so all money goes to the Charity.
Along with fellow Para Chris Watts, CSgt Johnny Piper (Royal Irish) and Sgt Babs Vinden-Cantrell (Medic), I will be trekking 182km in Nepal and reaching an altitude of 4130m.
I 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 me in my 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.
‘Poems out of the Blue’
Poems inspired by the repatriations at Wootton Bassett have been published by Dave ‘Soapy’ Soane BEM, 2PARA 1967-95 ’just another veteran who has just happened to pull Poems out of the Blue’. At Wootton Bassett, ‘there is no inter unit rivalry, only a common bond of recognition and the honouring of the loss of a fellow serviceman or woman who has paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving this nation’.
Includes poems dedicated to the RAF, Royal Marines, The Mercians, Airborne Forces, The Guards, RLC and helicopter crews, as well as The Parachute Regiment.
Get your copy for £5 (inc P&P) by sending a cheque donation (made out to PRA) to PRA, RHQ PARA, Merville Barracks, Colchester CO2 7UT. Or call Sandy on 01206 81 7077 to pay by Credit/Debit card. Proceeds to Parachute Regimental charities.
