Five minutes of your time

for something a little more serious this week.

Anyone who knows me is aware that I have a huge soft spot for our Armed Forces.

They risk life & limb to keep us safe daily. I can't really imagine what life must be like for them so every chance I get I donate, support & go & wave my flag when they arrive home – I think it's the least I can do. I would hate to think that they didn't realise they were appreciated and it's always a good feeling to do something- just because.

I read the news of the latest casualties, sometimes several a week & it makes me so sad.

Then you hear of something that makes you stop still & take breath.

Such a terrible thing happened to a  brave & handsome young man last year.


 

Rifleman William Aldridge.

'William Aldridge was one of five soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles who lost their lives on 10th July 2009 in a daisy chain of I.E.D explosions whilst on routine foot patrol not far from their base at FOB Wishtan.....and one of eight to have lost their lives within 24hrs.

He still remains the youngest soldier to have been killed at just 47 days past his 18th birthday.

He along with members of his fellow fallen displayed great acts of bravery in trying to save their injured comrades.

Despite his own injuries, sustained during the first explosion that killed one of his friends instantly and left several others wounded, William assisted the Field Medic in tending to casualties. A second device detonated whilst the injured were being moved back to the relative safety of the FOB, killing three more of his friends, injuring several others and mortally wounding him.'

 

I read the account of the incident & looked at the pictures, the names & ages and I realised that these boys are younger than my own darling sons and it made me cry.

 

His equally brave mother is now raising funds in memory of him. They are to be divided between the

RCDM MoD Patient Welfare Fund & The Riflemans Fund, both of whom support injured soldiers & bereaved families, both rely heavily on Charitable donations

There are several events taking place including an Auction of promises, a Charity Ball & a Trek up Kilimanjaro by his girlfriend & friend in September 2010.

His aunt has a lovely blog about the gorgeous items she knits for sale to raise funds too and a shop to buy them online.

 

The Auction of Promises on the 6th February is set to be a huge success as is the Ball on Friday 5^th March. For more details on William, the Charities, how to buy tickets to attend or take part in one of the events; buy Merchandise or any questions you might have please have a look at the Facebook group links above or the main page here "Raising Money in Memory of Rifleman William Aldridge" 

or the contact page.

I hope you'll please, please take a minute to link & share this post, perhaps attend an event if possible or simply make a donation.

 

I don't personally know this young mans Mother, only through a shared friend but I wish her all the luck in the world with her Events and I can only ever hope to have half her courage.

 

Thank you 

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"