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The Black Watch, 3^rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland returned from a deployment on Operation Herrick 10 in in November of last year.  We had a demanding but highly successful tour in a harsh operational environment; we faced a capable and resourceful enemy. 

Starting on 19th April of this year a team of Black Watch soldiers will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in order to raise the public’s awareness and support for an Armed Forces linked charity; the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA).

This charity plays a vital and specifically focused role in providing support to some of those soldiers who are injured on operations around the world.  A growing number of soldiers are being injured by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in .  BLESMA is a charity specifically devoted to dealing with the aftermath of such cases; BLESMA supports all those ex-Serviceman and women who have lost limbs, or one or both eyes.  At the outbreak of World War II and all conflicts since, many members of BLESMA went to war young and whole.  They came home disabled for life.  The association offers them the fellowship of shared experience, the welfare support they need and has fought for their interests over all the long years.  Due to the current conflict in and as service life takes its inevitable toll, it is unavoidable that the membership of BLESMA is growing.  BLESMA exists to assist its members in their recovery and rehabilitation from their injuries.  BLESMA receives no government grants and relies wholly on the generosity of the public. 

Lands End to John O’Groats is a physically and mentally demanding challenge.  The team members will be required to conduct weeks of preparation.  The team will depart on 19^th April 2010 and aim to arrive in John O’ Groats 10 days later.  This will see the team complete an average of 100 miles a day.  Arrival in John O’Groats will not signal the end of the challenge; the team will then ‘about- turn’ and complete a 100 mile final leg finishing in their home base in near Inverness.

 

It is understood that in the current economic climate it maybe increasingly difficult to offer financial support to charitable causes.  However, the soldiers and officers of The Black Watch Battalion would be most grateful for any support you may be able to offer as they embark on this arduous challenge and ask that you consider giving to those that gave so much and ask for so little in return.

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