|
Currant Affairs Dorset war hero’s mother backs plea for wounded A VETERAN commander and a grieving mother made a plea for people to support the wounded infantrymen of Dorset. Lt Col Rupert Jones launched The Rifles’ Care for Casualties Appeal at the regimental HQ in Winchester yesterday, flanked by Karen Charman-Allen from Verwood. “This week I will bury three of my riflemen – men too young to die,” said Lt Col Rupert Jones, a former pupil of Sherborne School. Lt Col Jones launches the appeal “As their families come to terms with their loss, all too often they also face financial hardship.” Charities like Help for Heroes fund urgent care – but it is regimental funds that usually support soldiers and their families in the decades to come. (Here is the full text of Lt Col Jones' moving introduction) Lt Col Rupert Jones' speech.doc Fifty-two members of the regiment have been killed in action since it was formed in February 2007 and more than 220 have been wounded. Karen Charman-Allen, whose 20-year-old son Phil was killed in November, dedicates her time to fundraising for The Rifles. Karen Charman-Allen on the appeal “The regiment are part of my family now,” she said. “All these lads out there are my son’s brothers in arms. I am helping them – we can’t give up on them.” Injured men may need help with lost limbs, being blinded, or psychological trauma. Lt Col Jones, 40, the commanding officer of Wiltshire-based 4 Rifles, added: “Many of these riflemen come from Dorset and Hampshire and they need our assistance.” He was a former platoon commander and friend of Bournemouth’s Captain Mark Hale, 42, who was killed serving with 2 Rifles in August. Lt Col Jones on why your help is needed Rifleman Jonny Allott, 19, from Kinson in Bournemouth, was killed this month serving with 3 Rifles. Lt Col Jones added: “Many men in Afghanistan rationalise what they see as a tolerable injury – ‘if I go home having only lost one leg below the knee then that wouldn’t be too bad?’’ “They are not being glib, but brutally honest.” The day before the launch he had visited a member of his battalion from Cornwall who had lost both legs and one arm. His family has just received £1,500 for the regiment. For information on how you can help email kazcharsen@uwclub.net Back to the list |