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Ref: John O’ Groats To Lands’ End Charity Cycle Ride Sept 2010

For those who do not know me, i am SSgt (Staff Sergeant) Richie Hines and I am a current regular serving member of the HM Forces with the Army and the Royal Engineers. I am a Commando trained Engineer, currently employed as the Permanent Senior Instructor (PSI) to the Territorial Army with 131 Independent Commando Squadron RE within 3 Commando Brigade.

Being a Soldier who relishes challenges, I have organised a charity sponsored cycle ride between 3rd - 11th Sept 2010 from ‘John O’Groats to Lands’ End for myself and 5 members of 300 Troop personnel. A former colleague Cpl Ross Austin, who was injured in Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of one limb as well as a lower limb amputation on the other leg, will be joining our ride. This will be an incredible personal challenge for Cpl Austin and we are honoured to have him on our team.

I am raising money on behalf of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity (formally known as the “Army Benevolent Fund”). After knowing many injured personnel and unfortunately soldiers killed in action, I have decided that I should again raise money in order for ABF, who give a lifetime of support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Recently the charity has seen a 30% rise in applications from soldiers who have taken part in previous and current conflicts .As a result of Current Operations it is anticipated that the requests for the charity’s assistance will rise significantly and they depend entirely on public donations and goodwill to meet this need.

The team and I would greatly appreciate any support you can offer which will ultimately help ABF to continue to deliver support to our soldiers and their families.

Many thanks and we appreciate all donations as any money given will benefit not only our fellow comrades but their families as well.

Richie Hines

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