Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

As you will all be aware, I recently returned from Afghanistan where I served with 2 Rifles, and then handed over to my old Battalion 3 Rifles who will be there till April.  We as a Regiment have had a tough time in Afghanistan, with 2 and then 3 Rifles taking more casualties as a Battlegroup than any unit yet.  As a Regiment over the last 3 years until Feb 10, the Rifles had 42 men killed in action and over 200 have been notified as casualties (in need of hospital care due to injuries sustained in action).  In the first few days of March 10, several more were killed and injured.  They are doing great work out there and are really making a difference, but it is coming at a high cost.  The Rifles' Care for Casualties Fund goes towards supporting those Rfn who become casualties, and also those families who have lost their sons, husbands or fathers.  Whether that be the wife of Sjt Mac who was left with a 4 month old son, or the family of Paul Mervis who was such an effervescent individual, or the family of Cpl Green who died last week, but with whom I served in Afghan in 2006; the money is very important and goes towards a very worthy cause.

Three years ago I applied to the Marathon des Sables (Mds) for a place .....the earliest was a place on the waiting list in 2010.  It was confirmed on my last day of R&R in Sep 09 that I had a place on this race......so here we go!  The MdS is known as one of the toughest races in the world, covering approx 150 miles in 6 days (a marathon a day for 6 days) through the desert of the Moroccan Sahara whilst carrying all food and equipment!  It will be a great experience but will no doubt include significant pain.  Training will not be helped by my recent move to London for a new job, and the terrible weather!

I would appreciate your help in sponsoring me anything you feel you can.  In addition, if you are able to pass this round your friends, family or work place that would be great too....!  I aim to raise at LEAST £5000.....(I have already raised a separate £1500 in donations for Help for Heroes). 

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So please dig deep and donate now.