PLEASE HELP!

We are running  a marathon at the end of October to raise money for the families of the Mercian soldiers killed, and for the soldiers who have been severely injured, in Afghanistan over the last few months. At this time, the Mercians are still out there and still taking casualties so we want to raise as much money as possible to provide long term help and support for those that really need it now and will continue to need it for years to come.

As we know all too well, the soldiers of the Mercian Regiment are paying a heavy price for their service in Afghanistan. The casualty figures for those killed and injured are rising at an alarming rate as the news reports from Afghanistan and the subsequent TV and Press coverage of the funerals graphically demonstrate. These soldiers are still out there in Afghanistan and we do not know what the final casualty figures are going to be by the time they are scheduled to come home at the end of September.

With this in mind, Pte Amir Unsworth and other soldiers currently serving with 1st Battalion, Mercian Regiment (formerly the Cheshire Regiment), plan to run a marathon on 31st October 2010 from Warrington Town Hall to Chester Castle via Runcorn. Amir is hoping to be joined along the way by various celebrities and sports personalities who wish to demonstrate their support for this event. The aims of this marathon are twofold.

Firstly to raise money for the families of those soldiers who have tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan as well as those badly injured. There are lads in their twenties who have lost multiple limbs and will need long term care and support. Some of the families will have more simple requirements, but requirements nonetheless. Whilst their Regiment will support them for the rest of their lives, this support will require funding.

Secondly, to raise awareness of the plight of the families who have been bereaved in this way and the soldiers who have been badly injured. When the news crews pack up and go home, the pain and loss of the families remains. They hope to illustrate how the Mercians look after their own within the wider concept of the ‘Army family’ whereby nobody is ever forgotten or ignored.

All donations will be gratefully received, no matter how large or small the amount. The money of course will go directly to help the bereaved families and badly injured soldiers. Just as importantly though, the donations will illustrate to the families that they have not been forgotten and that people are prepared to show support both for the soldiers who have been tragically killed or injured and those they have left behind.

Check out the Photos to see a selection of the messages of support we have received so far. We will keep adding to these as they come in.

 

You can follow us on Facebook – Support the Mercian Marathon where you will find additional photographs and updated information.

Also on Twitter - @mercianmarathon

 

PLEASE HELP TO SUPPORT OUR LADS AND THEIR FAMILIES BY DONATING WHATEVER YOU CAN.