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We are a team of five serving and ex Royal Marines, doing a charity bike ride from John O Groats to Lands End. Starting on the 15th June 2013 over a period of 8 days covering 970 miles to raise money for BLESMA.

We are; James Digby (serving Royal Marine), Simon Kinger (serving Royal Marine), Ian Dawson (former Royal Marine), Phil MacDonald (former Royal Marine) and Chris Greig. (former Royal Marine)

Ian's story:

After 17 Years in the Royal Marines and having served in Afghanistan twice in 2006 & 2007, I have seen first hand the amount of pressure UK troops are under whilst on tour over sea's with the daily life on Patrol and not knowing if you would be alive at the end of that day. Or even returning home with minus a limb! which many of our UK Troops are sadly living with and the change in life after returning home from WAR. 

Since leaving the Marines during downtime between transits away with my new occupation, I took up cycling and always having a dream to cycle from John O' Groats to Lands End one day. One evening out for a drink with Phil & Diggers in Exmouth which turned into an idea of us all doing a Charity cycle in 2013.

Sore heads in the Morning and a telephone call or two later, saw us all not wanting to back down from the challenge we all had agred on over a pint the night before.The challenge was born! Bootnecks on Bikes!!

The quest then was to see which charity to do the cycle for! After many dicussions on who to ride for we came up with riding for BLESMA, all of us being former RM's or still serving, seeing first hand the effects of explosions and how it changes a persons life forever.

Phil's Story:

As you can imagine, my experiences in the Marines and especially on tour are very similar to Ian's and clearly a huge factor into why I want to attempt this challenge and raise money for something that is personal to me and my Royal Marine background. We actually both served on the same tour of Afghanistan in 2007/2008 with 40 Commando Royal Marines and have numerous collegues and friends who have sadly been killed and seriously injured.

Although this idea was originally Ian's it is always something that has appealed to me, especially now that I am out of the service. Missing that day-to-day 'banter' with the guys is something im still adjusting to. This has given us both a goal to aim for and we really do want to give something back.

James Digby

Served 16 Years in the Royal Marines and currently serving in Afghanistan as a Troop Sergeant.

 

Looking forward to returning back in April 2013 after a challenging 6 month tour of Afghanistan. The high risk nature of my job and the risks that I and my colleagues are taking is making it clear to me that charity organisations and the after care to injured personnel are extremely important. BLESMA plays a huge part in the lives of injured servicemen and i'm keen to get on the bike once back in the UK for a different type of challenge in order to show my appreciation.

 

Simon "Kinger/Kingy" King

 

Currently serving in my 7th year of service in the Royal Marines at the rank of Corporal. I have had a varied career so far, having deployed operationally to Afghanistan with 40 Commando RM in 07/08, spent a couple of years at Fleet protection group RM and a stint at CTCRM on a recruit training team. My job role at present is solely focused on pre-deployment training for Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel deploying to a variety of countries across the globe.

My time spent alongside Ian in Afghanistan unfortunately allowed me the witness first hand the losses and sacrifices Marines/soldiers make to serve for their country, including the loss of limbs. In the subsequent years it has allowed me to witness how many individuals have learned to deal with such massive changes in their lives. BLESMA seemed like a great charity as it can play a huge part in the adaptation process. I have always been a keen cyclist so the fact that I get to wear skimpy lycra for 10 days is just an added bonus!!

 

Chris Greig

 

Served 14 years in the Royal Marines and have served operationally around the globe.

I have seen first hand the great work that BLESMA do, in particular their support for the families in the immediate aftermath of an injury.  Definately time to put in some hard work in order to maintain that level of support!!

 

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For more information on the ride please check out our web site by the link below,

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So please dig deep and donate now!!!