Blackrats rideout, Sunday 19 September, Support our troops.

[Moose]

Below is an e-mail from Mia Felton calling for support for our troops.

I hope some of you can make it.

Moose

Bikers - A very direct appeal for your help!



Allow me to begin by introducing myself. My name is Mia Felton, and I am the wife of Brigadier Richard Felton OBE who is Commander of 4th Mechanized Brigade a British Army brigade who are based in Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire. The 4th Mechanized Brigade, who are also known affectionately as the Black Rats, were part of the original Desert Rats - 7th Armoured Division - hence the name of our Welfare Fund - The Black Rat Fund.



During 2010 4th Mechanized Brigade have been deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. You will have heard much about them on the news. My husband is also in Afghanistan with his Brigade, and has taken up the role of Commander Task Force Helmand and is based in Lashkar Gah.



There are sixteen major regiments and a further large number of sub-units that form the Brigade in Helmand at present, representing over 9,300 serving soldiers.



Regiments that we currently support include 40 Commando Royal Marines, the Royal Dragoon Guards, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurhka Rifles and 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, all of whom you will have heard mentioned in the news in the past weeks as a result of the tragic losses we have experienced.



Whilst my husband is in Afghanistan I am working on a voluntary basis as a Trustee for The Black Rat Fund, which is, as I say, the Armed Forces welfare fund for 4th Mechanized Brigade. We provide compassionate welfare grants and support to the injured soldiers and their families of the Black Rats. Obviously this year, whilst the Brigade is deployed on Op HERRICK 12, represents a particular challenge for us as the demands on our support are growing daily as the number of injured soldiers from our Brigade is increasing.

Sadly we have to inform you that since the commencement of their operational tour of duty in Helmand Province the 9,300 serving soldiers who are part of the 16 Regiments and Units that comprise the 4th Mechanized Brigade have already had*...

*Figures correct as at 27 July 2010 – Source MOD Op HERRICK Fatality and Casualty Tables / HQ 4th Mechanized Brigade

· 37 soldiers killed in action

· 7 soldiers who died as a result of wounds received in action

· 588 soldiers wounded as a direct result of combat – including:

· 42 who are VSI category (Very Seriously Injured) - 23 of these are amputees.

o These are all servicemen who will never have a normal life again as a result of their injuries. This number also includes 4 soldiers who are now triple amputees as a result of their injuries.

· 32 who are SI category (Seriously Injured) and who will continue to be affected by these injuries for the rest of their lives.

Without your help and financial assistance The Black Rat Fund cannot provide the welfare and compassionate support these brave men and women, and their families, deserve so much.



So what are we doing to help these brave men and women? Well, put simply, we are doing everything and anything we possibly can.

Most importantly we are making sure that we have enough funds in place to help them. This is why we have organised the Black Rat Charity Rideout.

The rideout is going to be a wonderful event.

Bikers who register for the Rideout will gather at Marne Barracks just off the A1, which is a great location for getting together before the rideout commences. We will have lots of things for you to see there on the day –– and great refreshments too. We’re also hoping, since that weekend is part of the Battle of Britain Day celebration weekend, to have a flypast by a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We’ll keep everyone posted about this in our information updates on our website.

We are also hoping, health permitting, that some of our injured soldiers who are currently at Headley Court and going through rehabilitation will be making the long trip to Yorkshire, so that they can see for themselves the support they are getting, and share in the excitement and spectacle of the day.

Then we have the Rideout itself....

We have a great route which is about 22 miles long and will take approximately 1 hour to complete. The route will take you on an exclusive tour “behind the wire” of some of the major barracks in Catterick Garrison and allow you to see things that civilians normally aren’t allowed to see. We will have all sorts of displays including tanks and other equipment. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

We are also taking the route through the heart of Richmond town where we expect massive crowds of spectators to cheer you through, including the local Mayor and many of the District and Town Councillors who have been so supportive of this event.

Not only that, but you will be also riding through some glorious Yorkshire countryside on the way up to the end point at Scotch Corner.

We want to make this the biggest event ever in the North of England, and a massive fundraiser, so that we can provide all the welfare support our soldiers need.

When I write a condolence letter, or speak to a wounded soldier in Headley Court, I know that every part of me feels so deeply the suffering and sacrifice of that family. The cost to them of serving their country is life changing – the cost to you to support them is just £5.00.

By joining our Rideout and making this event a huge show of support, you not only provide us with the money to help, but you also give an incredible boost to the morale of those soldiers still bravely fighting in Afghanistan right now.

As my husband said in a recent email to me “This means so much to us for a number of reasons. First, just knowing so many people are willing to support us is so important to the morale of my troops. They are all doing such a fantastic job, with unbelievable courage and great determination. Your (the public’s) support places value on the sacrifices they are making.”

Please join us and register for the Rideout – we need your help so that we can help those that need it – and we simply can’t do it without you!



Mia.





Go to www.blackratfund.org/Rideout.html - you can register online NOW!!!!

[Samray]

Thanks for the heads up Moose.
A great cause and sounds like a great event.

(I've added the date to your post.)

[Kwackerz]

Wouldve liked to have gone up for that (ill be in Oman), got more than a few mates out in Afg at the moment with 21 Engr, as well as lads from my own Sqn on the Counter IED teams. One of our lads lost his legs in an IED strike the other month, was right on top of the cunting thing when it went off. Still with us, only because of the kit he was wearing and the fast reaction of his lads in getting him out. 26 mins from time of blast to being on a med chopper back to Bastion.

If you can make it up, please do. Apart from the fundraising side, if 4 Mech are taking the route in behind the wire as they say, it will be an awesome experience for all concerned.

[fastasfcuk]

registered. any body else doing this.

[Falken]

Registered Slot 2

Will ring you to arrange meeting point Ian.

[fastasfcuk]

nice one ken, speak to you soon.

[fastasfcuk]

it should have called wet rats, pissed it down all the way up and back and stoped 2 mls from home. . apart from that a brilliant turn out and really enjoyed being clapped through the streets. i felt like royalty.

[Samray]

That's a shame. Been nice here.
Glad you enjoyed it. Was there a good turnout?

[Falken]

Very good turnout, of riders and spectators.
As Ian says it makes you feel special when people turn out and show appreciation for doing something we enjoy.
I felt priveleged to be giving something back even though it may only be a small drop in the ocean.
If they do it again i will try my hardest to make it.

If we had an emoticon waving a flag, i would have added it.

[BikerGran]

[fastasfcuk]

[Falken]

Thanks BG, I owe you one.

[Kwackerz]

Hi everyone,

I have now posted the final figures from the Rideout day on the Facebook group - so please take a look. We are delighted at how much we raised - and it's all thanks to you! You were all marvellous!

We do still have some merchandise stock left which we really must sell so that we don't have to write off that money from the fund. If you are interested in finding out what we still have to sell we have ...

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Tee Shirt - Size Small - 46 still to sell

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Tee Shirt - Size Medium - 73 still to sell

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Tee Shirt - Size Large - 78 still to sell

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Tee Shirt - Size XLarge - 11 still to sell

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Tee Shirt - Size XXL - 83 still to sell

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Flag - 140 still to sell

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Biker Patch - 150 still to sell

BRF Charity Rideout Commemorative Mug - 111 still to sell

If you are interested in buying any of these items please contact me and I will be able to do you a great deal as we simply must sell this stock and put the money back into the Fund. We are prepared to sell at cost to us - and all you then pay on top is postage and packing.

Do help us to sell these items if you can!!! Email me for details at :

miafelton@blackratfund.org ....and please mark your email subject as FINAL ITEM SALE

Thank you!

Mia Felton

[fastasfcuk]

i'll have a tee shirt kwaks. med.let me how much.

[Kwackerz]

Email her direct mate as i dont have details, addy is above