The Event. In a fit of madness I decided to run the Man vs Horse race this year, a 22 mile race over the hills of mid where man competes against horse. The event first started in June 1980 following a chat over a beer in the Neuadd Arms Hotel. The then Landlord, Gordon Green overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses. The enterprising Gordon, never one to miss an opportunity to promote Llanwrtyd Wells and improve business at his hotel, decided to put it to the test. And so began this longest standing and now internationally acclaimed event, The Man versus Horse Marathon.
Why? I am running (although expect a large portion will be walked!) to raise money for the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal, a charity set up to support the injured and bereaved families following the Regiment's gruelling deployment to Afghanistan in summer 2009. Amongst numerous other roles, including mentoring the Afghan National Army, the primary role of the Welsh Guards during their tour was to clear and hold a large area in preparation for the Afghanistan General Election, an operation collectively known as Operation Panther's Claw.Welsh Guards Appeal. The next ten years promise to make extraordinary demands on the Regiment, serving Welsh Guardsmen, their partners and families and particularly those members of the Regiment who have left through disability or work-related illness. The Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal is designed to support, alleviate and improve the prospects of all those consequently in need. The fund will enable the Regiment to provide:
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- Support to the families and dependants of those killed in action by responding promptly to problems of bereavement and hardship.
- Support to those wounded on operations, particularly those who have had to leave the Army, to assist in finding them new employment and to help them become active family and community members.
- Support to the families and dependants of those seriously wounded or injured in prolonged recovery situations.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
