The Rifles Family Charity Gala

Always A Rifleman Family Gala is raising money for The Rifles Regimental Trust
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Care 4 Casualties Charity Gala · 29 January 2022

We support The Rifles & its antecedent regiments, including via The Rifles Benevolent Trust, charity No: 1119071, which incorporates Care for Casualties & the Always a Rifleman Programme. Together the Trusts support all serving Riflemen & veterans, with the AARP meeting mental health needs.

Story

Background

The Rifles is one of the largest infantry regiments and the regiment holds a record 913 battle honours, including 117 Victoria Crosses, and has played crucial roles in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The regiment has been crucial during operations which include 6 tours in Iraq and 14 tours in Afghanistan. 

However, The Rifles saw over 62 Riflemen Killed in Action, around 30 suffered a loss of one or more limbs, two Riflemen who have been permanently blinded and two who are in the care of neurological units and who will remain there for the rest of their lives. Additionally, the Regiment has approximately 300 other soldiers with serious injuries sustained on operations. Those who have been seriously injured are comparatively young and have many years of active life ahead of them.

Studies have also reported that the 2 Rifles C Company have a suicide rate 200 x greater than the average rate for men in the UK, due to prolonged periods of action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The increase in recorded psychological problems within the regiment, which is well documented as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may likely manifest to a greater degree in the coming years. It is clear therefore that the need to assist and support Rifleman will continue for some time.

        Wars come and go, but injuries and scars remain for ever. 

These are heart breaking statistics – there is no other way to say it and it has really hit home for me personally. I now want to stand up and support those who have risked their lives for our Country. 

Event

I am acting Swift and Bold and organising a Charity Gala at Silverstone circuit, to be held on 20 May 2023, to raise money for the Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP)– further information can be found here. - Swift (theriflesnetwork.co.uk).

The event will be attended by serving soldiers, veterans and the families and friends of Rifleman sadly no longer here. All civilians wishing to attend and support the evening, and our Armed Forces are welcome and attendance is strongly encouraged. 

There will be a Black-Tie dinner in the evening which will include the following:

  • Champagne reception;
  • Three course meal;
  • Guest Speakers;
  • Tribute memorial;
  • Silent auction;
  • Live Band; and
  • Other fantastic surprises which I cannot disclose just yet - but they are exciting!

The objectives of the evening are:

  • Connectedness - to reconnect veterans and encourage a community of connectedness within the regiment for greater support;
  • Awareness - to raise awareness of AARP and ensure veterans, families and friends know who to contact in times of crisis;
  • Knowledge - to improve knowledge of psychological traumas suffered by veterans and encourage greater research into prevention and detection methodology
  • Funding - to raise funds for AARP so immediate assistance can be provided when required e.g access to rehabilitation facilities and housing without delays

Your help...

I am seeking donations and sponsorship to help with the event costs but also so I can offer discounted tickets to serviceman and veterans, particularly Rifleman, as well as invite the families of those no longer with us at no cost.

My initial LinkedIn post raising awareness of these harrowing statistics has received over 83,000 views – if each of those individuals donated £1.00, I can create a legacy event to support AARP and put formal processes and procedures in place to provide ongoing support.

I can confirm that I am not receiving any financial gain from organising this event, I am simply giving my spare time to help Rifleman who fought for this country. This event is also a personal event and not associated with my employer.

Many thanks in advance!



Donation summary

Total
£3,635.00
+ £801.25 Gift Aid
Online
£3,635.00
Offline
£0.00

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