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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 we bring you some cold-weather news from both the Arctic and Antarctic that will surely shed some sunshine on the winter chill; and our fundraisers start to gather speed for 2024.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Mission Spiritus Antarctica – almost done!
”An absolutely amazing feat of endurance,” says our Chief Executive, Ben Curry after speaking this morning with Mission Spiritus Antarctica’s awesome Alan Chambers (pictured left) and Dave Thomas (right). The former Royal Marines successfully reached the 1,000km point of their 1,130km unassisted ski/sled-haul to the geographic South Pole on Saturday and, weather permitting, are well on track to reach their destination on or around 19th January (this Friday!).
Over the past few days they have experienced some of the worst conditions to date, their spirits boosted by a few select early morning calls from family and fellow Bootnecks including well-known fellow adventurer and Charity Ambassador, Monty Halls.
Ben reported: “They seem in very good spirits, buoyed by the fact that they only have 55km to go. The snow has been a bit soft for the last three days and say they sink about six inches into the snow with each step, which makes the going harder so they are covering only about 20km a day compared to 30km on the harder packed snow.”
Currently, the weather is good with clear visibility and temperatures hovering around -29 degrees that feels like -41 in biting winds.
The triumphant end is now within touching distance for this indomitable duo but they remain determined to stick to their routine and keep to their planned pace rather than sprint for the finishing line.
We continue to follow them every step of the way and prepare to celebrate their phenomenal success – and toast Dave, too, as at the magnificent age of 68 years and one month, he will become the oldest person to ski unassisted to the South Pole and grab that Guinness World Record!
Whilst primarily a multi-faceted polar scientific expedition undertaking research into the global impact of nano plastics on behalf of Columbia University Lamont. and the effects sensory deprivation has on the body in prolonged remote climates in conjunction with Manchester Met University, they are also raising vital funds for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity. Here is their JustGiving page.
Oh deer!
And at the other end of the globe, an article on Forces.net features a charming video posted by UK Commando Force Operations of members of 45 Commando Royal Marines ‘caught up in a bizarre traffic jam on their morning commute in Norway’ (watch video via button below).
The Commandos are in Norway ahead of Nato’s biggest Arctic exercise in a generation, Exercise Nordic Response.
In other news from those on this exercise, The Royal Navy News has reported an interesting item about the critical role that specialists from Plymouth-based 30 Commando’s Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron played having been seconded to assist Norwegian authorities in finding two missing hikers lost at night deep inside the Arctic Circle, as temperatures plummeted below -20c. Read all about this successful rescue here.
Last month (December 2023), 54 grants to the tune of £65,491 were awarded to beneficiaries facing significant life events and crises.
These included serving personnel and veterans who were helped in transition and progression with civilian careers – and across all pillars of welfare delivery, 196 members of the Corps Family were further helped with a wide-ranging variety of services. such as addiction intervention/ briefings, mental health and AFCS (Armed Forces Compensation Service) & Pensions support.
Running rings
As we begin an exciting New Year of fundraising marking the 360th birthday of the Royal Marines, many of our amazing supporters are already planning and training for their own mighty ‘360 for 360’ challenges. These include:
Melissa Montague who aims to run JOGLE 2024 – an 850(+) mile run from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 17 days in March. She is the wife of a former Royal Marine who suffered significant illness and injury following a tour of Afghanistan.
While entries are now being taken for the 10-mile Dan Lee Mil Race in the Peak District on Saddleworth Moor on 24th March. This will be its second year, having been run for the first time last year in memory of former Royal Marine and firefighter, Dan Lee, who passed away in a tragic accident in August 2022 after a tragic accident. It has been set up to bring people together, work as a team and generate funds for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.
Fighting fit
Congratulations and many thanks for the first-time support of aspirant Royal Marines Officer Michael Goulbourne (above right) who recently took part in – and won – a White Collar Boxing Event.
He raised over £100 for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, beating his initial target. We were thrilled to receive such hard-fought support in helping raise much-needed funds for the Corps’ own charity.
Shopping Corner
It may be icy cold outside but these one-size-fits-all winter cable knot bobble hats in Royal Marines Corps Colours with fluffy bobble are back in stock!
In 100% acrylic, they are ideal for keeping warm during outdoor events and activities – buy on its own or in a value-priced bundle with matching gloves and/or reversible scarf.
They are 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.