Edition 98
As a valued supporter, we are pleased to bring you up-to-speed with a weekly round-up of activities from RMA – The Royal Marines Charity and the wider Corps Family.
This week, there’s uplifting news of enduring partnerships, some remarkable successes, and fantastic achievements inspired by very personal reasons for supporting the Royal Marines Family.
Thank you as always for your valued support.
News Update
Triple triumph for Virginia Gauntlet team
A team of 250 Royal Marines has returned home from the east coast of the United States having retained the prestigious Virginia Gauntlet trophy for a third consecutive time. Those taking part were drawn from all ranks, with a focus on those from junior levels.
They first won the competition back in 2012. This latest achievement followed successes in a series of sporting events in which the team competed against the US Marine Corps (USMC) at its base in Quantico, Virginia between 17th – 19th April 2024 across 26 different disciplines. These included triathlon, shotgun, water polo, boxing, football, rugby, golf and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Exercise co-ordinator Major Wayne Grounsell, Inspector of Physical Training Royal Marines and Secretary RM Sports Association at CTCRM in Lympstone, said: “This is an important year for the Royal Marines as we celebrate our 360th birthday so having the opportunity to reinforce our strong relationship with the USMC through the power of sport was especially pertinent.
Virginia Gauntlet is an amazing tournament. It demonstrates the importance of sport as a tool to build relationships and develop friendly yet competitive camaraderie with our allied nations.”
RMA – The Royal Marines Charity is an integral part of the Royal Marines Sports’ Association, managing the annual funding for its many associations that attract both serving personnel and veterans, and as such, part-funded the 2024 Exercise Virginia Gauntlet III team.
Cutting edge support
RMA-The Royal Marines Charity was in London last week to present a Commando Dagger to TP ICAP in recognition for their support to the charity in 2023, and their promise of further support in 2024.
Tom Wilson, Director of Development (right), presented the framed dagger to Nico Breteau, CEO of TP ICAP at The Cavalry and Guards Club in London’s Piccadilly. Also representing the charity were Danny Egan, Director of Health and Wellbeing (group left) and Major Ash Bourne from RMR London.
TP ICAP Group is a world-leading financial services liquidity and data solutions specialist. Its clients are top tier global investment banks and investment institutions.
Tom Wilson said, “We are deeply grateful to TP ICAP for their donation. Our thanks to Nico and his team and to The Royal Marines Band who supported ICAP’s Charity Day in December last year and who have offered their support again to this year’s event.”
Max Spoto, COO of TP ICAP commented: “It was a pleasure to get to learn more about the great work you do,“ with CFO Robin Stewart adding: “ It was great to meet you – the dagger will have pride of place in our offices.”
Fab fundraisers – always by your side
Huge thanks to these fantastic fundraisers who last weekend brilliantly contributed to this year’s £360 for 360 campaign:
Mother and daughter duo Michelle and Georgia Gillies who completed a 5km inflatable obstacle course in honour of Michelle’s partner and former Royal Marine, Pete Brett who passed away suddenly last year.
“This has left a huge hole in many hearts and left my Mum struggling to find a new way of living,” said Georgia. “Pete was in the Marines for many years and was a Bootneck through and through. Telling mum to get her walking boots on and making her walk miles rain or shine, the stories never stopped and nor did the pride he had for a way of life he had for many years.
Mum has struggled to find her way since Pete left so a goal to hit in memory of him only seemed fitting to give her something to work towards and get her back into running which she usually enjoys.” Together they raised £1,428 (including Gift Aid) for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity – “a charity Pete would be proud of”.
Very many thanks, too, to Leo Hill and his friend Josh who raised £370 (including Gift Aid) having trekked 30 miles across the South Downs, mirroring the Royal Marines ’30-miler’ yomp that recruits have to complete at the end of their training.
He says: “The Royal Marines hold a special place in my heart as I came very close to signing up, however after over a year of training at home in preparation I broke my arm that needed a metal plate metal plate 16 pins – so my dreams were dashed. Although we didn’t complete this task in the same amount of time recruits are expected to, I wanted to prove to myself I could still do it – and why not raise money for a great cause along the way?
I asked Josh if he’d join me as he is also coming back from a serious injury and he eagerly agreed. He knows the Marines mean a lot to me so I thank him again for joining me on this.” BZ.
On the watchlist
9th – 15th June: ‘Offa’s Dyke run’: Former RM Jim Maybery is running the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke from Prestatyn in N Wales to Chepstow in S Wales. This will mean running a marathon-plus every day for seven days, with an elevation gain/loss of 9,085 metres (29,806ft) carrying food and equipment. He is raising funds for three charities including RMA – The Royal Marines Charity. More information here.
15th June: Former Royal Marine Tom Hemmings (above) – together with former RN Clearance Diver and founder of Hold Fast Challenge (HFC), Rob Hinton (left) – is the driving force behind the ‘Yellowcraig Beach Challenge’. The fundraiser for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity is being held on the East Lothian beach in Scotland.
Designed for any level of fitness, activities have been designed to celebrate the 360th birthday of the Royal Marines this year, including the chance for participants to see how many circuits (800m swim/800m run) they can complete in six hours (360 minutes).
Tim says: “I left the Marines last summer and went straight into a job. Like most who leave, I was left feeling pretty lost and not sure who to talk to. RMA – The Royal Marines Charity helped me so much – and still do today. They have helped my family and me to find a way where I could feel normal again and changed my life for the better.
I have been volunteering with HFC for over a year and it has changed my life – its ‘no fuss, no excuses, get it done’ ethos is one I truly support. My dog is also part of this, helping me train and is one of my ‘emotional pillars’, always there to keep my head straight.” More information here.
Shopping Corner
Check out this brand new collection of premium, fine black leather products embossed with the Globe & Laurel emblem. that includes a stylish wallet and A6 notebook. Each item is presented in its own impressive gift box.
A great selection of other quality products is also available exclusively from the Royal Marines Shop that is wholly owned by RMA – The Royal Marines Charity. All profits come back to the Charity to help support the Corps Family.
Please email [email protected] for a copy of the form if you are unable to open the link below. All forms should be returned to Phil Barnes on completion.
A message from the 2nd Sea Lord
