Category: Sport

News about services and inter-services sports, matches, games and physical activities.

Kayaking The English Channel

To mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, an intrepid team of six from ITN are kayaking across
the English Channel in three 2-person kayaks to reach Normandy in under 24 hours, all to raise funds for Blesma…
Following a similar route that was taken by the D-Day invasion force this gruelling 100-mile kayak will highlight the spirit of co-operation and teamwork. In completing this challenge the team intend to raise funds and awareness for Blesma, a charity born out of the aftermath of WWI which supports limbless and injured veterans to live independent and fulfilling lives, for life.
Team member and former Royal Marine, Joe Humphrey, lost his left leg while serving in Afghanistan and personally has benefitted from this amazing charity. They also hope to promote adventure, teamwork and inclusion with men and women with different skills and abilities working together to achieve something incredible.
Joel Whittaker served 8 years in the Parachute Regiment before working with media teams in various war zones. He now leads the High Risk department at ITN. He devised this latest challenge to promote adventure and teamwork whilst raising funds for Blesma.
Mandy Clark is a journalist and former war correspondent who has always enjoyed a challenge but this will be her greatest to date. During her three years living and working on the frontline, she witnessed soldiers and civilians suffer catastrophic injuries in war. She believes in the importance of that lifelong support that Blesma provides for servicemen and women.
Joe Humphrey was a Royal Marines Commando for 9 years. In Afghanistan, a sniper shot him and he lost his left leg. He competed twice in Wounded Warrior Games, winning medals for swimming freestyle, breaststroke and relay. Joe is looking forward to working as a team again, pushing himself physically and mentally as well as raising money for a great cause.
Alyx Barker is a producer at ITN. She’s always had a thirst for adventure but has never tested herself quite like this! With forces friends serving and former, she’s looking forward to facing this challenge for a fantastic cause.
Bryony Henderson is a doctor in South-West London but in her spare time enjoys competing in triathlons and other endurance events. She also enjoys rock climbing and has spent many hours looking out to sea when on various crags but, having never set foot in a kayak previously, this will be a challenge that is testing both physically and mentally.
Rebecca Tweed is enjoying a career break from corporate life. The challenge will be a huge step up from her distant university rowing days. She relishes being part of a highly motivated team and stretching both her physical and mental capabilities.
Ian Waller, Operations Director at Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, said: “Blesma wishes Joe and the ITN team every success in accomplishing their goal in this fitting tribute to those that took part in the events in Normandy 75 years ago.”
You can support them here.

5th June 2019
Sports Rehabilitation On The Piste

Supporting Wounded Veterans has just had it’s very successful 2019 Ski Week, taking 28 veterans for a week of sports rehabilitation, including seven female veterans and four Canadian veterans…
Within the group, 56% had physical injuries and 85% had hidden injuries including depression and PTSD.
Outside of the charity’s sports rehabilitation programmes, its other programmes continue to thrive. Supporting Wounded Veterans’ Mentoring programme currently has 90 mentors working with 180 veterans and its Occupation, Training and Employment programme continues to provide outstanding results, maintaining a success rate of over 90%.
For more on Supporting Wounded Veterans, please visit their website.

3rd June 2019
Picking Up The Pace For Veterans

Charity worker Rose Bradbury is picking up the pace for mental health awareness by running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 13th October to raise funds for FirstLight Trust…

Having taken part in the Great North Run and the Bath Half, she aims to beat her personal best this autumn to raise funds for FirstLight Trust. This is the charity she works for which supports former members of the armed forces and emergency services in civilian life.

Rose has always admired those serving in the armed forces and emergency services, and particularly the risk they take every day to protect others. She also realises that, although the importance of good mental health is slowly gaining more awareness, there is still a great deal of stigma attached to mental health issues. In particular for men.

“Poor mental health is something I have personally struggled with in the past,” Rose explains. “I found that running became an invaluable tool for me and a form of relief from anxiety and stress. It seems fitting to use running to potentially help others gain support and improve their mental health too.”

FirstLight Trust offers a variety of services to help those who have served in the armed forces or emergency services and suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health issues. They provide a warm welcome for veterans who have struggled to find support elsewhere. Their six hubs across the UK provide a space to socialise, enjoy a coffee and a cake, as well as receive help and advice.

“We are really lucky to have someone as dedicated as Rose as part of our team,” says Dorinda Wolfe Murray, the founder of FirstLight Trust. “The Half Marathon takes place just a fortnight before our Stress Down Day on 25th October which promotes well-being across the population, not just veterans. We look forward to cheering her across the finish line!”

The 13.1 mile route of the Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, takes in London’s world-famous landmarks and four of London’s eight Royal Parks. Approximately 16,000 runners taking part. Rose will post updates of her training on Instagram @firstlight_trust. Donations can be made online.

29th May 2019
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has launched the Positive Pathways Programme and Armed Forces charities are invited to apply for a share of up to £9m to support ex-Forces personnel with activity-based projects that aim to improve their mental health and wellbeing…
Part of the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the Positive Pathways Programme wants to get Veterans involved in activities such as sports, gardening, conservation and theatre – and there’s one and two-year pots of funding available.
The Trust’s Chief Executive, Melloney Poole, explains: “We conducted a thorough consultation prior to launching this Fund to ensure the funding available was meeting the needs of the communities it’s here to support. We want to support activities led by veterans, – so this is a really great opportunity to get creative and get our ex-forces communities out and active!” 
Applicants can apply for £35,000 or £70,000 depending on the needs of their project and the Trust strongly encourages all potential applicants to have a thorough read of the programme guidance prior to making their application.
For full details of this new programme, and other funding available via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, visit their website .

22nd May 2019
Clocking Up The D-Day Miles

A plucky team of charity cyclists from Gosport are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings by cycling 75 miles. Jodie, Riah and Sam from FirstLight Trust veterans hub will be taking turns to ride 75 miles to raise as much money as possible for those who served…
“We pride ourselves on staging fun events and thinking up original ways to raise funds,” explains hub coordinator Riah. “We’ve held vintage afternoon teas, card-making sessions with schoolchildren and veterans and even jam-making. Such an iconic event as D-Day needed something special, which is why we’re doing this bike ride.”
The ride starts from the FirstLight Trust Gosport hub at 68 High Street at 9.45am on 26 May 2019. The women will ride to Stokes Bay and back as many times as is necessary to clock up 75 miles between them. Halfords in Gosport generously provided a free safety check for all the bikes involved to make sure they’re in tip-top condition. Meanwhile local firm Love Emma Design have donated high-visibility clothing to the team for free.
“We are so proud of our Gosport team,” says Dorinda Wolfe Murray, the founder of FirstLight Trust. “They always approach everything with such energy so we have every hope they’ll conquer this challenge too. Every penny raised will go towards helping former members of the armed forces and emergency services with issues such as mental health, debt, loneliness and more. Cycling 75 miles is literally going the extra mile to help our charity and we couldn’t be more grateful!”
Members of the public are encouraged to come along on Sunday 26 May to cheer the team on. There is also a static exercise bike in hub on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 May from 9am to 10am for anyone who would like to keep fit for a good cause, lent by Anytime Fitness Gosport. Donations can be made at the hub on Gosport High Street or online.

16th May 2019
YouTube Stars To Take The Pitch

There’s less than three weeks to go until internet stars The F2 take part in a celebrity charity football match in aid of Childline and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity…
Jeremy Lynch and Billy Wingrove, who also head up the F2 Football Club made up of influencers, celebrities, ex-footballers and up and coming talent, will play against the London Lions for the chance to win the Wonderwall Cup when they take to the pitch with their team mates at The Den, the home of Millwall Football Club, on Sunday 26th May.
Among the F2 Football Club players confirmed as playing when the match kicks-off at 3pm are celebrity personal trainer and social influencer Bradley Simmonds, Love Island 2018 contestant Jack Fowler and comedian ManlikeHaks.
Ex-Millwall assistant boss Marc Bircham, former Millwall player Alex Rae and Snapchat sensation Stevo The Madman help make up the London Lions’ team which was formed by Andy Pheby and Micky Simpson who created the Wonderwall Cup competition.
Proceeds from the match will be split 50/50 between The F2’s chosen charity Childline and the London Lions’ chosen charity SSAFA.
Billy said: “After being invited to Childline’s London base last year and hearing about some of the issues children and young people are dealing with on a day-to-day basis, coupled with the fact we have a lot of young followers, Jeremy and I felt it was the right charity to support.
“Mental health is the number one reason children and young people contact Childline and as someone who battled with anxiety and depression in their 20s that really struck a chord with me. It was tough as an adult coping with that so I can only imagine what it must be like for a child or young person. Thankfully Childline’s volunteer counsellors are there for them during their darkest hour 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Sir Andrew Gregory, Chief Executive of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “We were delighted to be named as a charity partner for the Wonderwall Cup 2019 and extend our thanks to the team involved. Their support means that we will be able to assist even more members of the Armed Forces community, when they are in need.
“SSAFA is proud to be on the frontline of delivering practical, emotional and financial support to the men, women and families of the Forces, past and present. The Wonderwall Cup is set to be a fun, exciting event – but also a chance for spectators to give back to those who have given so much to protect our Nation. We look forward to a successful collaboration, for an excellent cause.”
Andy Pheby, founder of Wonderwall Cup, said: “We have chosen to support SSAFA because the Armed Forces are very close to our hearts, not just for the organisers but for Millwall fans as a whole. We can’t thank them enough for what they do to protect the country and others. We think SSAFA is fantastic as it not only offers help to those currently serving but also aftercare for veterans – as well as families. On a personal note, SSAFA managed to arrange for my Grandad’s medals to be replaced when he passed on.”
Tickets cost £3 for under 12s, £6 for under 16s and £10 for adults.
Visit www.millwallfc.co.uk/tickets. For more information contact the London South East press office on 01634 564741 or email southeastpressoffice@nspcc.org.uk.

9th May 2019
Battling For The Silver Poppy

Almost 100 Armed Forces veterans as well as members of Legion Scotland took to the links at St Andrews to do battle for prizes aplenty at the annual Silver Poppy event…
The fun golf tournament, which is organised by veterans charity Legion Scotland, was first established in order to boost comradeship within the Armed Forces community. However, it has grown steadily in recent years and now features scores of golfers from across the country, representing a number of organisations such as Help for Heroes, BattleBack, Veterans First Point and various Legion Scotland branches.
Leon Fisher, the Operations Manager at Legion Scotland, said: “The annual Silver Poppy event was another brilliant day out for those who travelled from all corners of the country to take part. While it’s a fun day and a brilliant way for veterans to interact, it is worth noting that golf is now increasingly being utilised as a means of recovery and reintegration, especially when it comes to PTSD.”

9th May 2019
Charity Crew Race Cowes-Cherbourg

Good Friday saw six veterans set sail on the Junior Off Shore Group Cowes to Cherbourg race, aboard sailing charity Turn to Starboard’s chartered racing yacht at Gosport for a start line crossing at 7am alongside nine other vessels…

A forecasted light, but manageable, 11 knots of breeze from the North East should have carried the crew to Cherbourg in a credible 12 hours, yet while the crew ‘did everything they could’ to get the boat moving, a lack of wind to power the sails saw the crew cross the finish line after 25 hours at sea.

As a bonus, the prolonged journey provided plenty of time for crew members to test the most efficient sail-sets and practice knots. After arriving at Cherbourg, a prize-giving ceremony took place in the evening with Turn to Starboard awarded 6th place out of seven yachts completing the race, with three yachts retiring early.

Former soldier John Shepard, 38, said: “I enjoyed the race as it gave me more time than ‘round the cans’ racing; it gave us all more time to do each drill. The challenge of a Channel crossing was also a big personal achievement for me personally. Sailing with like-minded people on the sea puts me back in a ‘known and friendly’ environment, away from the busy places on land where I struggle to manage.”

With even less breeze on Sunday, the return race leg was cancelled so the crew enjoyed a sun-filled motor sail back home to Gosport.

Turn to Starboard Race Officer, John Savage, added: “Racing with the Junior Offshore Group offers Turn to Starboard the opportunity to participate in some longer races, giving beneficiaries and those on their Yachtmaster programme the opportunity to get some good miles, passage race experience, and also the great company afforded by the JOG competitors, who were so friendly and engaging.”

8th May 2019
Turn To Starboard…For Dinner!
Why not join Turn to Starboard for their flagship charity dinner in London and help raise funds to support Armed Forces personnel affected by military service through sailing…

Since 2012, Turn to Starboard has provided more than 2,500 sailing opportunities to injured veterans and their families – with many going on to start new careers in the marine industry. Now, this special event at the Drapers’ Hall in central London on Thursday 20th June will welcome friends, supporters and beneficiaries of Turn to Starboard, generously sponsored by TheYachtMarket.com.

Enjoy reception drinks, a first-class 3-course dinner and bid on a wide range of exciting auction prizes to suit all budgets and tastes.

Tickets cost £250 each or £2,000 for tables of 10.
- Drapers’ Hall, Throgmorton Street, London
- Reception drinks from 6.45pm
- Dress code: Black tie
To discuss corporate or individual bookings, please contact Jane Higgins via jane@turntostarboard.co.uk or 01326 314262.
26th April 2019
Duncan & French On Counter-Daesh Operations

Royal Navy warship HMS Duncan joined forces with a French carrier strike group to support the international fight against Daesh…

The Type 45 destroyer has been providing air defence and escort duties to the FS Charles de Gaulle and her accompanying ships in the eastern Mediterranean over the past few weeks. French jets have been flying missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the international task force aimed at defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

During her time with the carrier, HMS Duncan’s crew has been using the ship’s sophisticated radar and missile systems to protect the skies over the Mediterranean and safeguard the task force.

Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster said: “HMS Duncan’s crew can be extremely proud of the part they played alongside our allies, destroying the barbarous group that subjugated millions of innocent civilians. Due to the tireless efforts of our brave men and women from all three services, we have been able to beat Daesh back, depriving them of territory and making sure that Britain is safer.”

Commander Tom Trent, HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer, said: “This has been a rewarding opportunity to fulfill HMS Duncan’s core role as a primary air defender protecting a carrier strike group. With our own aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, getting ready for their first operational deployments this was an excellent chance for us to integrate into the French task group on live operations.”

Frequent air sorties flown by the French fighter jets provided plenty of opportunity for HMS Duncan’s fighter controllers to test their abilities as aerospace battle managers. They provide tactical control and safety assurances to the Dassault Rafale fighter jets flying from the carrier.

HMS Duncan’s sensors are optimised for air defence. Her cache of Sea Viper missiles, world-beating radars and communication suites provide the ability to defend the skies and protect surface ships and aircraft within the task group.

Lieutenant Francois-Xavier Morel is a French naval officer who has been working on board HMS Duncan since October last year. He is one of three principal warfare officers who lead the ship’s operations team. He said: “This exchange has been a real education for me. I have enjoyed being a link between our two navies in the build up to working with my own navy’s flagship.”

Throughout the Royal Navy, sailors are provided the opportunity to take up exchange opportunities within other navies. While Lt Morel works on board HMS Duncan, one of the destroyer’s own crew has also swapped places to work in the aircraft carrier.

Lieutenant Luke Thompson is currently embarked in the FS Charles de Gaulle as a fighter controller. He said: “Providing air space control on behalf of the French command team is interesting and highlights how aligned our nations are. Our two navies working so closely together in the Mediterranean shows how much our people and our kit complement each other.”

25th April 2019