The Cause

 Since 2007 The Rifles have deployed almost continually on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and have suffered more casualties than any other regiment with 57 Killed in Action and over 300 seriously wounded. Of these, in excess of 40 have sustained life changing physical injuries which will require long-term assistance. Some injuries are not obvious now with evidence showing many soldiers will suffer from psychological problems in the future. Within the next 3 years all Rifles battalions can expect to deploy once again on operations in Afghanistan.

 

 Why we need your help

 

Riflemen are recruited from throughout the country and represent every walk of life. For each casualty sustained, a family's life is changed forever. Riflemen have risked their lives and bodies on our behalf and will do so again. We owe them our enduring support and to show our appreciation for their sacrifices.

 

www.careforcasualties.org.uk. is an appeal that gives the severely wounded, their families and the families of the fallen of The Rifles the support, the inspiration and the means to rebuild their lives and make the best of their futures.  Support varies depending on the need: counselling for close relatives after the death of a Rifleman; driving lessons for triple amputee's; funding retraining courses for soldiers invalided out of the Army; providing a stairlift for an elderly veteran. Last year there were 691 individual cases funded by the Regiment.

 

The Event

 

Before entering the UK Ironman I had never:

i. run a marathon

ii. swam further than 1km

iii. ridden a bike further than 60km

iv. done all three together or entered a triathalon.

 

The 2011 UK Ironman event is held on 31 July in Bolton and consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a marathon (42km)...without a break!

 

I am a serving member of The Rifles (Rifleman) and any contribution, regardless of size, is hugely appreciated - Thank you

 

Andy