Last week at RMA – The Royal Marines Charity

All the news from Guildhall Dinner  

In what was a truly wonderful and unforgettable evening, we are thrilled to report that last week’s Guildhall Dinner in London raised over £960,000 for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, with pledges of support still being received.  

In thanking the supreme generosity of leading sponsors, Keith Breslauer and Patron Capital, and all those who made the evening such a success, Mrs Lynn Fordham, Chair of Trustees RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, said: “We extend a truly heartfelt thank you to everyone involved and to all who so generously dug-deep during these particularly challenging economic times.

Be assured we are committed to ensuring that the support the Charity provides remains as cost-effective as it can be in even better service of an extraordinary force and community – the Royal Marines Family.” 

The 500+ guests, including dignitaries, corporate and individual supporters, serving and veteran Royal Marines, were greeted to the rousing music of The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, Portsmouth who continued to provide colourful pomp and ceremony throughout the often-times emotionally-charged evening. The event was hosted by television presenter, Invictus Games medallist and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers; with MC Lieutenant Colonel Jason Burcham, Principal Director of Music Royal Marines.  

Auction Action

The Live Auction is always one of the highlights of the evening, and this year was no exception. Lord Jeffrey Archer took charge over proceedings in achieving the very best bids possible for the exceptional lots up for grabs, many of which were unique, bespoke or not normally available to the general public.  

One of the hottest items of the evening was the magnificent bespoke Royal Enfield motorcycle made by Saltire Motorcycles of Edinburgh that sold for £60,000. Sporting RM colours with subtly-etched nods to RM Commando 80 and Falklands 40, it was one of 90-plus lots most generously donated by supporters of the Charity.

Vice Patron appointment

We’re delighted to announce that Keith Breslauer, award-winning businessman, philanthropist and Managing Partner of London-based Patron Capital Partners is to assume the role of Vice Patron RMA – The Royal Marines Charity with immediate effect. 

This prestigious appointment is in recognition of Keith’s unique contribution and support for the Royal Marines Corps Family for over a decade and comes as the time approaches when he will have served the maximum period of time permitted as a trustee, and so has to step down from the role he has held since 2014.

During that time, he has been responsible for contributing in excess of £4m to RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, not only through his own donations but also through spearheading sponsored events and other fundraising efforts. This includes being the principal sponsor and driving force behind the incredible success over the past six years of our flagship fundraising Guildhall Dinner that in 2021 raised £1m.

Jonathan Ball, Chief Executive  of RMA – The Royal Marines Charity said: “Keith is a unique force of nature. To have someone of such high personal and business calibre join a former very senior military officer in General Sir Gordon Messenger as our Patron and alongside fellow Vice Patron Bob Wigley, is an enormous honour and privilege. It gives the Charity huge reach into the wider world outside the Corps Family.”

Hats off to Cockleshell 22

“On behalf of the whole Royal Marines Family, you make us so proud – and we can’t thank you enough for including us in your fundraising. Without such dedicated support, the Charity would not be able to continue its vital work. We wish you fair weather and will be following you every step of the way.”

It was with these words that our Fundraising team gave some ‘humble support’ to the fantastic Cockleshell 22 Op Frankton team as they were about to head over to France from Portsmouth last Friday at the start of recreating the World War II Op Frankton mission. This was undertaken by the heroic team of Royal Marines Commandos later known as ‘the Cockleshell Heroes’ and is an iconic part of the RMs proud history.

Although recreations have been done before in past remembrances, this is the first time that the entire route has been retraced in its entirety on the exact same dates and ‘very cold’ time of year. The epic venture is incorporating both the 80-mile kayak paddle and the 100-mile yomp elements of the mission.

Veteran RM and team member Steve Martindale, said: “This mission will test us in every way, but hopefully it’s a fitting tribute to what that incredible team of 10 men did for our country 80 years’ ago. Their efforts created what we know as the Special Boat Service today, so we want to mark the anniversary by raising whatever funds we can for the three brilliant charities that do such amazing work for the Armed Forces community. 

“I can’t believe that what started out as a bit of a crazy idea between mates is now happening.”

World Record congratulations!

We’ve been absolutely thrilled to learn that one of our fantastic fundraisers has received confirmation of a Guinness World Record gained whilst taking part in an IRONMAN® triathlon in Kalmar, Sweden over the summer!

John Vann from Tamworth in Staffordshire and a former Royal Engineer Reserve with 131 Cdo, can now proudly say he holds the Guinness World Record for  ‘The fastest time to complete an IRONMAN® triathlon carrying a 40-lb pack (male)’. He carried this load throughout the 2.4-mile swim/112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run – and did it all in astonishing 16 hours 19 minutes 52 seconds!

He’s raised close to £800 (inc gift aid) in honour of the Falklands 40th anniversary and the 80th of the RMs taking on the Commando role. John says: “Never again?? Well, I think if I train better for it this time, I should be able to break 15:30, so watch this space!”