Firstly, thank you so much for visiting my page!

My name is Tracy Gibson and I am the mother of a Royal Marine Commando and married to a former Royal Marine (not an easy task I assure you, but someones gotta put up with their antics). My nephew is now also a bootneck and my lads best mate from school too, all serving with the mighty 45cdo! After completing 3 months active service in Iraq in March 2007 at the age of just 18 my son was sent to fight on the frontline in Afghanistan with 45 Cdo RM in Oct. 2008. The Commandos completed a gruelling yet successful 6 months in the fight against The Taliban and left Helmand province a much safer place than when they arrived 6 months earlier. Unfortunately, that success was not without cost, they paid a high price and lost 12 of their comrades in their hard fight. Many lads also sustained terrible injuries, some losing limbs.

My sons best mate, L/Cpl Jamie Fellows, was sadly one of the 12 heroes never to return. He died in action on 12/12/08. We all miss him deeply to this day and will never forget his ultimate sacrifice. He was a very special lad and was very much part of my family. He was the brother my son never had and he touched and brightened the lives of everyone who ever met him. One day while chatting with another Marine Mum we decided to climb Ben Nevis (even though I've never done any hill walking before and have a fear of heights and damaged my back 3 years ago, it will be emotional!). However, there never was a better motivation than in memory of Jamie and the other Fallen Heroes of 45CDO who sadly never made it home to their loved ones. I aim to raise as much money as possible for the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund and I've managed to gather a party of around 25 to join me on 14th August 2010. I am thrilled that there will also be some serving Royal Marines from 45CDO joining us, which will be an amazing boost for all of us novices, thankyou lads! I am also extremely honoured that the family of Mne Gary Wright of 45CDO, sadly killed in October 2006 in Afghanistan, will be joining us on the climb. Their presence makes it all the more special!

Jamies ashes were spread by his closest 'oppos' of 45cdo on 27/8/09 at The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge only 10 miles from Ben Nevis. We have placed a special plaque in the remembrance garden for him and on a good day when you read his plaque, you have a direct view of The Ben, watching over the memorial site. That is why this climb is so significant! We are booked into The Spean Bridge Hotel which holds the Commando Museum and is 2 mins from the Commando Memorial site. (If you haven't yet been, you must visit!!!)

R.I.P. L/Cpl Jamie Fellows.....Per Mare per Terram....We will remember them!

The Marine Benevolent Fund is a fairly small charity and has desperately suffered since Help for Heroes raised in popularity. All donations go directly where needed...there are NO administration costs! The fund helps both serving and former Royal Marines in many different areas! 

 

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