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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.
Due to a technical issue, the majority of newsletters did not reach their intended destination last week and so we must apologise for this and for repeating some of the news below for the benefit of those who missed out: also to the handful of our readers who did receive last Wednesday’s edition for any confusion in maybe thinking it is Groundhog Day already (Friday 2nd February).
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Mission accomplished!
“The Royal Marines family is truly remarkable. Dave and Alan are testament to the strength of the Corps, its values and standards and wider message of belonging,” said General Gwyn Jenkins, Commandant General Royal Marines, Vice Chief of Defence Staff and President RMA – The Royal Marines Charity who, alongside Corps Regimental Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer 1st Class, Nick Ollive RM, hosted the indomitable Alan Chambers and Dave Thomas at a congratulatory breakfast in London yesterday.
Both had kept in regular contact with the Mission Spiritus Antarctica duo throughout their epic record-breaking 1,150 sled haul/trek to the geographic South Pole as part of a private message group for friends, colleagues and family.
As many of you likely know, former Royal Marines Alan and Dave safely reached the Pole, exhausted but elated, on Friday 19th January having been on the polar ice for 60 days battling some of the most extreme conditions on earth.
You can read why this special moment was so historic for them both via the button below. During this primarily scientific expedition, they have to date raised over £10,500 (inc Gift Aid) for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity. If you would like to give them a final boost, you can still donate here.
Their magnificent achievement marks an auspicious fundraising start to the 360th Birthday year of the Royal Marines. Utterly awesome and massive thanks.
Photos: Main – left to right: CRSM Nick Ollive RM with Alan Chambers; CGRM General Gwyn Jenkins and Dave Thomas
Alan and Dave were met at Heathrow Airport by family and members of the RMA City of London Branch.
Valued partners
Head of Employment and Education, Zoe Darnbrough (pictured middle) made a special presentation on behalf of RMA – The Royal Marines Charity to the Bootnecks in2 Business team during its first event of 2024 that was hosted by DWF Law LLP at The Fenchurch Building (Sky Garden) in London.
In this, the year in which the Royal Marines celebrate their 360th anniversary, a commemorative dagger was presented in thanks and recognition of the passion, support and unwavering commitment provided to the Charity by Bi2B.
In also thanking DWF Partner and Global Head of Real Estate, Toby Askin, for the company’s hosting of the session, Zoe explained how the Bootnecks in2 Business network had become an integral part of the transition support offered by the Charity’s Employment and Education team.
Bi2B aims to ensure that every former Royal Marines Commando, irrespective of rank or specialisation, has the opportunity to leverage the Royal Marines’ network through introductions made via former RM businessmen.
Band leaders
We are hugely grateful to the Royal Marines Association Concert Band, which raises funds and awareness for the Royal Marines Charity, for the magnificent sum of £10,000 donated through bucket collections made during their busy schedule of performances.
The cheque was presented by Cameron March MBE, Chairman of the Royal Marines Association Concert Band (pictured left) to Major General Tim Chicken (right).
The RMA Concert Band features some 50 musicians, including many who are former RM musicians or Corps family members. They perform ten or more concerts a year, with the next one scheduled for Sunday 10th March 2024 in Tunbridge Wells. Kent.
Fundraising Hero
Well-deserved congratulations to the awesome Cpl Ben Clough RM who was surprised and thrilled in equal measure to receive the Bear Grylls Unsung Hero Award for his charity endeavours from Bear, who is an Honorary Colonel Royal Marines.
Of special mention, Ben – a super-fit Royal Marines Physical Training Instructor at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Devon – last summer ran 482 miles from Scotland to Wales in nine consecutive days – and along the way also climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), raising over £13,000 for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity and MIND.
All in the family
Having completed his first 10K run last year, fabulous fundraiser Matt Welch has this past weekend successfully run the Brass Monkey Half Marathon near York, raising just under £450 (including Gift Aid) for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.
He says: “I’m delighted to share I completed my first half marathon! Despite some heavy headwinds on the way out (providing a nice tailwind on the second half of the course), it was a lovely clear day and made for an enjoyable event.
Several members of my family, including my late Grandad Syd Aitkins (inset), are proud Royal Marines veterans and I am beyond proud to again do my bit to support a charity that does so much for them and other veterans, serving personnel and their families.
RMA is our family charity and I’m already looking ahead to my next challenge / fundraiser. I’ve definitely now got the running bug … so I could be tempted to run a marathon next…”
Fantastic achievement – and enormous thanks. Matt’s JustGiving page is here.
2023 – another year at the sharp end
Royal Navy news reports that Royal Marines spent 2023 deployed across the globe at the tip of the spear of UK defence – epitomised by notable operational successes during the evacuation of Sudan and in counter-narcotics.
“In a world already overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, we have seen instability in Sudan, the Middle East and ongoing security concerns across the maritime environment,” Commandant General Royal Marines General Gwyn Jenkins said in his end of year message to the Corps.
“Throughout all of this, Royal Marines have been front and centre, responding to these crises, delivering under the most extreme circumstances and demonstrating the highest standards of excellence.”
Photo: Royal Navy MoD
Shopping Corner
This stylishly exclusive ‘must-have’ Ropelet wristband in Corps colours features etching on the stainless steel click-lock clasp. Available in a variety of sizes, each comes in an attractive presentation gift tin.
A great selection of other quality products is 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.