HEROES HOME FOR YULETIDE YOMP
Guernsey News, 14 December 2009 – Serving and retired soldiers will take to Guernsey’s roads for a festive fundraising march, to raise money for wounded British troops.
Billed as a ‘Yuletide Yomp’, the march is the brainchild of local soldier Alex Ward, currently serving with 5th Battalion the Rifles. Mr Ward, who saw active service this year in Basra, explained: ‘I count myself lucky to be coming home to my family but there are plenty of badly wounded soldiers who will be spending this Christmas in hospital.’ He added: ‘This is a way to raise some much needed funds to help improve their lives, as well as to work off a few pounds after Christmas.’
The Yuletide Yomp is set to include serving officers and soldiers from the Royal Marine Commandos, the Scots Guards and the Rifles, as well as ex-servicemen from the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Logistic Corps.
Mr Ward, who will be travelling home from his barracks in Germany, explained the 13 mile route: ‘The Yuletide Yomp will start and finish at the Rocquettes Hotel and run via Cobo, L’Islet and the Bridge, before heading south to St Peter Port and up St Julian’s Avenue.’ He said that the soldiers will be stopping off to collect donations in pubs along the route and thanked local former soldiers Neal Teers, Callum Le Noury and Dave Thomas for their help in organising the event.
All serving troops will be marching in combat uniforms and carrying packs. All proceeds will be donated to Forces charity Help for Heroes, which has already raised over £34m to support seriously injured troops, since its launch in 2007. The soldiers will be joined by Hero the bear, the charity’s mascot, who features in fundraising events throughout the world.
Ben Remfrey, Help for Heroes Channel Island Co-ordinator, commented: ‘Alex and his colleagues have first hand experience of the risks that our troops face on the front line.’ He added: ‘these guys are real life heroes and I know that islanders will give plenty of support for their Yuletide Yomp.’
Mr Remfrey said that the soldiers were looking forward to meeting islanders: ‘There’s an open invitation to meet the lads afterwards and join us for a post-yomp Christmas drink at the Rocquettes Hotel. We’d love to see you.’
The Yuletide Yomp will take place on 28 December, setting off from the Rocquettes hotel at 11 a.m. and arriving back around 4.30 p.m. Islanders can donate money at the Rocquettes Hotel reception desk, or by giving directly to the troops during the yomp. Alternatively they can contact Ben Remfrey Tel. 233780.
Popularity: 91% [?]
Related posts:
- HEROES TO GET ARCTIC ASSISTANCE
- ‘GRAND-A-MILE’ ISLANDERS HELP THE HEROES
- Itex-Rotary Walk Brings Christmas Cheer to Local Charities
- LOCAL PINT PROCEEDS FOR FORCES’ FUND
- Liberation Pint Helps Heroes
