I'm raising donations for Help the Heroes in memory of my friend and colleague of 19 years, Wing Commander Richard M Nuttall, who passed away unexpectedly on 16 Oct 2012.

He spent 9 of the last 12 months on operations in Afghanistan, at Camp Leatherneck, flying the flag, while working closely with the US Marine Corps at RC(SW) HQ, and made many friends with his ready smile and relaxed manner.

I shared a room with him on arrival, and during that time he challenged me to run a half marathon. I laughed it off, excusing myself due to a lasting back injury, lack of fitness, and the heat of the desert!  So now - in memory of Rich, I am going to try to run the first half of the US Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday 28 Oct 2012, wearing a union flag suit.

Those who know me - know I haven't been able to run any distance since I broke my back in a skiing accident 2 and a half years ago, but it seems like a suitable way of remembering Rich, while raising money for a fine military charity, which has been nominated by Jane, Rich's wife, for donations - instead of flowers.

Rich - you will be sadly missed, by your many friends in the UK, NATO and the USA.  As you always put on your emails - "Per Ardua ad Astra", and as the US Marine Corps would say - "Semper Fi".

Thank you for taking the time to visit. Giving via this site is a tax-efficient and very simple way of giving to Help for Heroes in Rich's name.