Firing on all cylinders
Members of Employment & Education and Health & Wellbeing teams from RMA – The Royal Marines Charity returned inspired from having had a prominent presence and taken advantage of the enormous networking opportunities at the annual National Transition Event (NTE) hosted by Mission Motorsport (MM). It was held at ‘The Wing’, Silverstone Circuit’s state-of-the-art conference centre in Northamptonshire.
James Cameron, founder and CEO of Mission Motorsport, once again delivered an outstanding event which was addressed by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP and attended by over 1,100 service leavers, veterans and military spouses seeking careers beyond the military.
This year, with some 60 companies exhibiting, the concentration was on MM’s 2023 green agenda and highlighted opportunities within the climate change and sustainability sectors.
Employment & Education Manager, Zoe Darnbrough, said: “The National Transition Event is an incredibly valuable showcase. It gave us the opportunity to meet with those in the Corps Family who might be seeking new careers but also to make really useful contacts with many new companies that have the potential to assist with placing our future beneficiaries. We’d like to thank Mission Motorsport for organising such a great event that gets bigger and better each year.”
Group pictured above (left to right): RMA – The Royal Marines Charity’s Jim Morris, Transition Support Officer South (and Wales) Health & Wellbeing team; Laurie Hawkshaw E&E Grants Office; Marcus Peters from RWE Head of Offshore HSE (Global) & Head of HSE Culture & Contractor Engagement; E&E Manager, Zoe Darnbrough; RM veteran and RMA-TRMC Support Network Volunteer John Tuson and Tony Radford E&E Relationship Co‑Ordinator
Taking to the slopes
“I am still ‘buzzing’ from the overall experience, the trip was such a tonic to all. A cross section of ages, experience and personal problems which all in all blended superbly by ‘Corps Spirit’.”
“What a fantastic start to the year. The gathering of guys, legends from all eras and parts of the world, to sit and spin dits, share experiences in a normal relaxed environment was priceless.”
These are just two of the many messages of thanks received by RMA – The Royal Marines Charity from some of the veteran Royal Marines who, with various injuries and other health issues, took part in this year’s Chamonix ski trip, now in its third season.
Thirty two former RM’s joined the trip, including instructors and support team members, some of whom now live in the French Alps and who gave up their time for free to ensure everyone got the most out of their time on the slopes. The group was split into two so each could enjoy a week-long session over the last fortnight of January.
RMA – The Royal Marines Charity Jim Morris, Transition Support Officer South (and Wales) and Paul ‘Baz’ Barrett, Transition Support Officer North (and Scotland, Northern Ireland) who also accompanied the groups, said: “To date, everyone that has been to Chamonix and skied the many runs in the valley have all gained a huge amount from the experience; not only on the slopes but living in the barn conversion with fellow Royal Marines, ranging in age from those in their 20’s to those in their 60’s all having one thing in common – all being Bootnecks and cooking, eating, drinking and most of all chatting with people they totally trust and respect about all aspects of their lives – it’s priceless.’’
The peak of endurance
Veteran Royal Marine Craig Hunter has started his training for the awesome challenge of climbing to the summit of the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest to mark the 70th anniversary of the first ascent in 1953 and also raise funds for our Charity. ⠀ ⠀
Craig plans to travel to Nepal in April to make the infamous and difficult trek through the Khumbu valley to Everest base camp which is when, he says: “The challenge will begin in earnest. Then, over the next two months, I will acclimatise by making repeated forays up and down the mountain though the perilous Khumbu icefall, all the while my body increasing its resilience to the effects of extreme altitude and debilitating physical exertion. ⠀ ⠀
Once fully acclimated, I will await a suitable weather window whereby the Jetstream (the band of high-altitude wind that circumnavigates the globe), permits me to ascend and descend before the brutal and ferocious winds return thus marking the onset of the monsoon season which renders an expedition to the roof of the world impossible. ⠀ ⠀
Being able to hopefully raise some funds along the way through this fantastic platform was an opportunity not to be missed and I thank everyone sincerely for any donation. The work the Royal Marines Charity carries out quietly and often ‘under the radar’ is humbling.”⠀ ⠀
A supporting shoulder
Taylor was medically discharged from the Royal Marines Commandos in 1998 following a heart attack in his late 30’s, and after 21 years of service.
After a number of other jobs in a new career, he suffered a stroke and, again on health grounds, was forced into an early retirement.
He lives alone and – due to enduring pain and physical weakness – is unable to drive and can only walk short distances with a stick. As if this wasn’t enough, in recent months he’s been struggling to cope with excruciating pain from a frozen shoulder. The sheer physical battle of trying to cope with so much physical discomfort 24/7 put him into a very dark place mentally.
RMA – The Royal Marines Charity was made aware of his situation and, after assessing his needs, awarded him a grant towards getting some treatment.
You can read more of Taylor’s story below and how the support provided by the Charity has helped him.
Operation Purple Yomp
Huge thanks go to ‘Rucking Reverend’ Andreas Heke, one of our fantastic supporters ‘across the pond’ in the United States. He completed his latest 30-mile Commando Challenge at the weekend, yomping/rucking with a whopping 34 lbs to raise awareness for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity and 24 Commando Royal Engineers. It was also to highlight his journey with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsonism, and advocacy of those with silent and hidden disabilities.
‘The Rev’ supported the Charity throughout last year’s RM Commando 80 campaign. He has vowed to regularly ‘ruck’ or yomp and continue to raise awareness and is planning another 30-miler for his birthday on March 16th.
What a great ambassador for the RM Commando Spirit qualities of courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
You can show your support for The Rev by going to his fundraising page below
Spectacular show takes to the road
Following almost sold-out performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in March (there are still some seats available – you can take a look and book here), The Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will be taking this music spectacular on its first-ever UK roadshow in September 2023.
With over 100 musicians on stage and the world-famous Royal Marines Corps of Drums, the concerts, in aid of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charities, will showcase the outstanding musicianship and versatility of the world’s finest military bands. Complete with special lighting effects, they will give regional audiences the opportunity to also enjoy the traditional Naval Sunset Finale.
Dates are as follows – with tickets already on sale for the Leicester performance:
· 14 September – St David’s Hall, Cardiff – Tickets available soon
· 15 September – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham – Tickets available soon
· 16 September – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester – Tickets available soon
· 28 September – De Montfort Hall, Leicester – TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
· 29 September – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool – Tickets available soon
· 30 September – The Sage, Gateshead – Tickets available soon
For ticket information please visit: www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/events
Ring in a change
This week, we feature the stylish new RMA -The Royal Marines Charity Corps Coloured Ropelet keyrings and wristbands, available now from the Royal Marines Shop.
The shop – located in Plymouth – is wholly owned by RMA – The Royal Marines Charity and all profits come back to the Charity to help support the Corps Family.
The small team sources, designs, develops and fulfils a fantastically wide range of Corps branded products that are all available for sale online.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!
To celebrate St David’s Day, we have reduced the registration fee for all of our places in the Frontrunner Welsh Series Events to just £1!
📅 Great Welsh Marathon & Half Marathon – (30 April 2023)
📅 Swansea Half Marathon – (11 June 2023)
📅 Llanelli Half Marathon – (24 September 2023)