The Three Rifles Writstband
The British Army is one institution we can be proud of, whether it be fighting for our freedom or the freedom of other countries, the men and women in the armed forces are people whom we should all have the utmost respect for.
Two women who are not ashamed to show their support for our troops are army wives, Laura Gray and Nikki Howard whose husbands are fighting in Afghanistan as part of the Three Rifles battalion and have organised a sponsored sports event on 28th February between 8am and 8pm, with all funds going to support injured soldiers and grieving families.
Laura explained; “My husband is a section commander in 3 Rifles and myself and Nikki Howard, a fellow army wife, are going to be completing a sponsored 250 mile cycle, row and run, it is the equivalent distance from Barnsley to Redford Infantry Barracks in Edinburgh for the 3 Rifles Wristband Appeal.
The wristband appeal is to support 3 Rifles, they are out in Afghanistan at the moment on Op Herrick 11, and the money from the appeal goes to support soldiers who have been injured and the families of soldiers who have been killed. The money from the appeal supports these families in their hours of tragedy and even helps provide families with suitable clothing for the that dreaded trip to Wooton Bassett should they need it.
With the advent of organisations like “Help for Heroes”, support for families in the medium and long term is good. However the battalion/battlegroup still strives to provide much needed immediate support and assistance for the families, girlfriends and boyfriends of the dead and wounded in those devastating first hours and days after a tragedy. The battalion finances this work from funds that it raises through its wristband appeal.
We would love you to come and support us on the day if you are in the area. The fundraising event will take place in DW Sports Gym off Harboro' Hills in Barnsley. Alternatively you can make a donation or buy a wristband from www.swiftandbold.org where you can also read stories from soldiers and find out about the good work the soldiers are doing!”