<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p> <p>I first went through this ordeal as a seventeen year old when I first joined the Parachute Regiment. Last year, to celebrate my impending seventy-first birthday, I donned my 35 lb bergen and laced up my boots once more to see if I could gallop around the ten mile endurance course whilst making some money for the Para Charity. I managed to complete the course (though not in the same time that I managed when I was seventeen!). Crossing the finishing line, I threw my bergen on the ground and said, "Never again!"</p> <p>Recently, I was privileged to listen to the CO of 2 Para, speaking about the heroism of our lads in action in Helmand Province. We are sadly aware that some of our warriors make the ultimate sacrifice, but there are also many more who return badly wounded. It is these guys and their families that really need our help. So now, heading for my seventy-second birthday, I think that the least I can do is another circuit with a few pounds on my back - who knows, I might even knock a few seconds of my last time!</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>