On 22 March this year, it will be the 10th anniversary of the helicopter accident during Operation Telic in the Arabian Gulf in which 7 squadron members lost their lives.To mark the occasion and to raise awareness of all those members of the Fleet Air Arm who have made the ultimate sacrifice, 849 Naval Air Squadron is organising a charity cycle ride from RNAS Culdrose to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.This will take 4 days and covers a distance of over 400 miles.It also provides an opportunity to raise money for 3 charities that are closely involved with the FAA.They are The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, and the Fly Navy Heritage Trust.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) exist to provide a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel. This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves, QARNNS (Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service), and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. They provide a single focus for charities that support Naval Service personnel.

The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. It is a living and lasting memorial. It commemorates and celebrates those who have given their lives in the service of their country, all who have served and suffered as a result of conflict, and others who, for specific or appropriate reasons, are commemorated here. 16000 names have been added to the memorial wall since WW1.

Fly Navy Heritage Trust exists to enable the Royal Navy Historic Flight to display its iconic Fairey Swordfish, Hawker Sea Fury and Hawker/Armstrong Whitworth Sea Hawk at Air Shows across the United Kingdom and increase public awareness of the glorious heritage of British Naval Aviation.

Although I am no longer serving in the FAA, I wanted to take part in this special to honour my fallen friends and raise money in their memory.  I would be extremely grateful if you could make a donation towards this event.

Dave

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