Hello - and thanks so much for taking the time to have a look at my page!

On 24th February 2012 I will be leaving my desk job and setting off to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro. I hope to summit on 1st March. One of the reasons for subjecting myself to this challenge is that 15 years earlier - in March 1997, I was extremely fortunate and privileged to be selected to serve as a Bomb Disposal Officer at 11 EOD Regiment and started what was to be the most rewarding job I have ever done (apologies to current employer)!

11 EOD Regiment RLC is the British Army’s specialist unit responsible counter terrorist bomb disposal and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and the recovery and safe disposal of conventional munitions. You simply cannot underestimate the skill, talent, commitment and sheer bravery that these men and women put themselves through every day protecting the UK mainland, but also our troops on operations overseas

Since 2003, 11 EOD Regiment has been constantly deployed at 25% strength in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, dealing with upwards of 40 IEDs a day. IEDs are usually (but not always) fabricated from non-military components, incorporating destructive, noxious, pyrotechnic or incendiary chemicals, and are designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass or kill. Simultaneously with its work overseas, 11 EOD is on-call 24-hours a day, providing protection across the whole of the UK. The only other Army unit with this duty is 22 SAS.

11 EOD Regiment have set up a charity called “The Felix Fund” and they exist to support any military personnel who have conducted or assisted with Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties, and their families. Their current focus is funding therapeutic normalisation breaks to help bomb disposal teams readjust to life in the UK after serving in Afghanistan.

They are also raising money for welfare and rehabilitation facilities, and building a hardship fund for all. This fund will of course support the trade’s many injured and bereaved, but also members of the wider ‘bomb disposal family’ who have otherwise fallen on hard times.

I would be so grateful if you could share something for this crucial part of the British Forces. This challenge is a major undertaking for me as since I became a “civvy” I’ve not had a lot of time for fitness – and I’m also fast approaching 40 – another reason for this challenge!

Thanks so much!

Cathy.