RGJRA In the News

After completing Wainwright's Coast-to-Coast walk last year and raising £710 for the Care for Casualties appeal, my challenge this year is to raise a similar amount by walking the 95 mile West Highland Way in May for the same excellent cause. I will also be going up Bens Lomond and Nevis (weather permitting) en route bringing the total to 115 miles. At 4,406 ft Ben Nevis is Britain's highest mountain.

The Rifles have seen almost continuous action in Iraq and Afghanistan since their formation in 2007. Over 60 Riflemen have been killed in action, around 30 have lost limbs, 2 Riflemen have been blinded and 2 are in neurological  units and will remain there for the rest of their lives.  Approximately 300 other soldiers have serious injuries and the psychological problems that we are warned of have yet to manifest themselves.

Care for Casualties is an appeal that gives the severely wounded, their families and the families of fallen Riflemen the support, the inspiration and the means to rebuild their lives and make the best of their futures.
The route I am following is Scotland's first official long-distance footpath, and for the first half crosses gentle terrain sticking to the bottom of valleys or traversing their sides. On only a couple of occasions does it reach 1,000ft.  But North of Tyndrum the going is more challenging and the terrain quite remote.The trail crosses the high and desolate Rannoch Moor (1,460 ft), the Devil's Staircase ( 1,797 ft), and the Lairigmor ( 1,082 ft) all of which can be exposed in bad weather. I am really looking forward to getting into the Highlands again.

Carrying my gear for the week, and boasting a new pair of Brasher boots, I'm setting off on 22 May staying at youth hostels, b&bs, and a cabin.

Please help by donating to help support our Riflemen and their families.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.  Thank you very much!

John Cohen

(Royal Green Jackets 1966-1977)