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Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund
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Welcome to the June edition of the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund (HCOCF) newsletter. May has been an exciting month for the HCOCF, with significant development of both the charity’s organisation and scope. The aim of the HCOCF is to provide financial support to injured Household Cavalrymen and their families, including the families of those who have lost their lives on active service. In particular the HCOCF seeks to provide more focused assistance at the Regimental family level and to address the gaps in financial support and material assistance that can sometimes occur. Our target continues to be to raise £3 million in 4 years, with two distinct ‘campaigning seasons’. The first is presently underway and aims to raise £1.5 million by October 2011. We aim to raise the second £1.5 million by April 2013. At present we have raised approx. £300,000, with £85,000 already having been used, and more than £600,000 pledged, proving that this is a very active fund providing for the real and current needs of our casualties. Examples of how the money has been spent include a bathroom refurbishment, and home improvements to make life easier around the house, gym equipment and other products to improve quality of life, a commemorative photo album, and flights to the UK from Fiji, Barbados, South Africa, and the USA to enable families and loved ones of our injured soldiers to be close by. The struggle continues for our casualties, but they continue to approach their recovery and rehabilitation with tremendous grit and determination and are a true credit to the Household Cavalry. Trooper Corey Mapp, who lost both legs below the knees in an IED strike, but was walking on his prosthetic limbs within a week of arriving at Headley Court, continues to shine, and has completed a 680 metre run. He will also be travelling to Oklahoma later this month to take part in an international volleyball competition. Trooper Clifford O’Farrell, who suffered major complicated breaks to both legs in a mine strike, has been in intensive swimming training, including swimming off Gibraltar in preparation for a competition later in the year, which will involve a 5km, 3km, and then 1km race. These are just two examples of the exemplary spirit that all our injured soldiers continue to demonstrate in spite of their injuries. This month promises to be very busy, with several upcoming high profile events. These include Charlie Trietline’s epic ‘Man vs Horse’ race on 12 June, Captain Douglas’s Charity Golf Day at Kingswood Golf and Country Club on 22 June, and the Motcombe Street Summer Party on 30 June. Added to an already packed calendar are the numerous polo matches at the Guards Polo Club throughout the month. Please click here to view a comprehensive list of forthcoming events: http://www.operationalcasualtiesfund.co.uk/events.asp In other news the Executive Committee continues to provide direction and drive, and is now ably supported by a fully-staffed Fundraising Office, with a serving officer, Captain Andrew Jelinek LG, a serving soldier, Lance Corporal Compton LG, and a civilian assistant, Mrs Julia Marlow-Thomas, forming a passionate and dynamic team. Volunteers have been forthcoming for the Advisory Council, but there are still some posts to fill. If you would like to be involved please do contact us. In particular we are looking for people who have professional skills and wish to offer some time to help address a range of issues. Crucially, we need to expand awareness of the HCOCF and of the present campaign. We have not fully exploited the extended Regimental family, be they ex-Household Cavalrymen, family members, or just friends of the Regiment. If you are aware of anyone who may be interested in the HCOCF and receiving this newsletter then please do forward it to them and encourage them to subscribe to our mailing service by completing the details on the registration form. Thank you all for your continued support and involvement. Alistair Galloway Chief Executive |
