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NAVY NEWS, JULY 2008 19
A heroic endeavour
Picture: LA(Phot) Pepe Hogan
THE beaches of Dunkirk were evacuated of a community standing together when it really Court for over a year. The facilities are good – but “The fact that Help for Heroes is aimed at helping
once more this summer, but this crowd were
mattered. they could do with even better ones. all sailors, soldiers and airmen injured whilst in the
rather more saddle-sore than battle-weary.
“Today our forces are involved in operations in “I didn’t even know Headley Court existed until service of their country is hugely humbling for us.
Over 300 people – both military and non-military –
Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations are a matter I got injured, but now I want to make sure more “The cyclists have included several Servicemen
had taken to their bicycles to raise money for injured
of life and limb and death. people know about it.” from Headley Court who are learning to deal
Servicemen and women.
“Help for Heroes have been willing, in true Cyclist Cpl Rory Mackenzie of the Royal Army with terrible injuries and prosthetic limbs – their
The Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride
Dunkirk fashion, to push the boat out and play their Medical Corps, who lost his leg in a roadside bomb participation in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride has been
attack in Basra, commented: “I did this for all the an inspiration to all of us.”
(sponsored by Halfords) began with a bang at
part, however undemanded or unexpected of them.”
Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Service men and women still out there in Iraq and Once back in the UK, the cyclists gathered numbers
Portsmouth Naval Base, with the cyclists’ departure
Parry, who came up with the notion of the battlefield Afghanistan. for a final mass ride down Whitehall to lay a wreath
heralded by a Red Arrow flypast and a Royal Marines
bike ride six months earlier. “The support we’ve experienced makes me feel at the Cenotaph.
Band Beat Retreat.
Among the riders were a team of wounded like something’s tipped in the way the public feel The event raised over £1million, and has helped
The charity ride led the cyclists through a 350-mile
Servicemen and staff from Headley Court, the about our Servicemen and women abroad. boost the Help for Heroes fundraising total to over
journey, visiting the battle sites of World Wars 1 and
rehabilitation centre that is the focus of the fundraising “It’s a great feeling. £6,848,000.
2 over the course of five days.
effort. Once Bulwark arrived in Dover, the assault ship Fundraising continues apace with the momentum
Landing craft from HMS Bulwark met the
Sailors on board the assault ship spent the Channel began a full amphibious offload, flooding her dock continuing into nationwide events, including
fundraising cyclists at Dunkirk to bring them on
crossing talking to the men and women on board, to send her landing craft – four LC(Utility) and a challenge rugby union match at Twickenham
board the assault ship for the trip back to Blighty.
including octogenarians, war veterans, generals, two LC(Vehicle and Personnel) – ashore with their featuring international rugby stars planned for
During their voyage across the channel, the Help
peers and even a woman more familiar on the Sun’s offensive force... of cyclists. September (see page 42).
for Heroes cyclists joined with the sailors and marines Page Three. Bulwark’s Commanding Officer Capt Jeremy To find out more about this match and other
of HMS Bulwark for a memorial service conducted Among the riders was AB Craig Dryden, who lost Blunden said: “All of us in HMS Bulwark are events in your local area, visit the website at www.
by the amphibious ship’s chaplain. part of his leg as the result of an infected insect-bite delighted to have supported the Big Battlefield Bike helpforheroes.org.uk or call 0845 673 1760.
Rev Tim Wilkinson RN said: “Dunkirk is an icon in Gibraltar, who said: “I was in rehab in Headley Ride, and Help for Heroes. ■ See also Sea Cadets on page 33
Debby
The good
returns to
the road
ship
FORMER Radio Operator Debby
Tonge was one of six disabled
people to receive keys to their
Penhale
new cars from the Queen on the
THE Senior Rates mess at
30th anniversary of Motability,
HMS Collingwood has donated
the UK’s leading car scheme for
£1,500 to Penhale School in
disabled people.
Portsmouth.
The event particularly
The school caters for
highlighted Motability’s work children between the ages of
with people connected with the three and seven, and has a
Armed Forces and Emergency specialist unit for children with
Services, as other recipients hearing disabilities.
included Capt Peter Norton, who PO Simon ‘Nobby’ Hall
was awarded the George Cross visited the school which used
for bravery when heading up an the money for a wooden ship in
Army bomb disposal unit. the school’s playground.
Debby, who left the Navy in The Tactical Command
1997, injured her lower back in Support Team in the Fareham
a car accident. During her career base have been awarded the
she served in HMS Coventry, RNLI charity shield for the third
Invincible and Glasgow. year running.
The Motability Scheme The team’s sophisticated
is available to anyone who software simulates the firing
is receiving the Higher Rate of missiles, and as a spot of
Mobility Component of the light relief in hectic training
Disability Living Allowance or schedules, trainees are
the War Pensioners’ Mobility sometimes allowed to let
Supplement. loose, but only with a voluntary
To find out more telephone contribution to the RNLI.
0845 456 4566 or visit www. This year has garnered
motability.co.uk. more than £400 for the lifeboat
charity which as fellow mariners ● Former Radio Operator Debby
Tonge receives the keys to her is close to the base’s heart.
new car from Motability’s Chief ● PO Simon ‘Nobby’ Hall sets
Patron the Queen outside the sail with children from Penhale
Royal Hospital, Chelsea School in Portsmouth
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