For a long time, having watched the iconic film Lawrence of Arabia after it was released in 1962, I have harboured the desire to visit Wadi Rum. The wadi was one of the theatres of the revolt of combined Bedouin tribes, led by Lawrence in 1917, against the Ottoman occupation. As I approach my 70th year, I have decided that I better get on with it!

I am fortunate to be joined by seven other team members, most notably younger, including two other ex-soldiers and two intrepid ladies. We will endeavour to walk between 20 and 25 kms a day for five days, camping each night in the desert.

The team includes:

- Caroline O'Donnell

- Lavinia Darby

- Ian Spilsbury

- Matt Lepine

- Mark Brandis

- Bill McLean

- Rob Walker

- Dick Turpin

Having had the privilege of being involved with Walking with the Wounded from its very beginning, I hope the team's endeavours will inspire you to make a donation in support of this wonderful charity, that does so much to help injured service men and women.

The work of the charity is explained on the charity website - www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk

During our lives, the men and women of our armed forces have helped in so many ways – from providing humanitarian aid, providing security at the London Olympic games, to making the ultimate sacrifice, in seeking to protect us from terrorism and those nations who harbour and support such groups.

Please help us, help them. Thank you.

Dick Turpin