The Chelsea Pensioners’ Appeal aims to raise £35 million by the end of July this year to fund an essential Development Plan, the central part of which is the construction of a new Infirmary – the Registered Care Home part of the complex - at a fully equipped cost of some £27 million. This was made necessary by new care standards legislation and a failing 1960s flat-roofed infirmary that had been built with war reparation funds. The Royal Hospital benefits from an annual Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Defence to cover most of the day to day running costs, including the maintenance of the buildings and the provision of food and uniform clothing for the In-Pensioners. However, this grant does not cover major projects.  The Royal Hospital is not owned by the Government, a fact that is not widely appreciated, but is rather a Crown body run by Commissioners (trustees).  New construction is thus our responsibility.

To date we have received just over £25 million from private donations, pledges and firm promises but we still seek substantial support over the next few months to achieve our overall target.

As Chaplain of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, I ran my first marathon for the Appeal in 2005, having shed 3 stone in weight, and sponsors very generously donated some £27,000 supporting me. The following year, in 2006,  I ran, largely unannounced, for my own satisfaction but an additional £3,000 was donated to the Appeal by friends and colleagues who were aware that I was running. My timings were respectable at 3 hours 58 minutes and 3 hours 53 minutes respectively and I plan that 2008 will be another serious attempt, notwithstanding the fact that in the intervening years I have gained a Bus Pass.

Many will already have contributed to the Appeal, and many will also have supported my earlier marathon runs. If you are prepared to sponsor me, however, the most modest of sums will be gratefully received.

Thank you for reading my message and thank you for my support.

With every good wish

Dick Whittington