Tri Service charity car rally around the uk

My name is James,

From Eastbourne

Let me take you back to a time when I was just an 19-year-old with dreams bigger than life itself. I left home, stepping boldly into the skies as I joined the Air Force, a chapter filled with camaraderie and purpose but just befor i left for basic training , my world was turned upside down. My beloved wife suffered a stroke, striking the left side of her body, just a day after celebrating her 18th birthday. The road ahead was steep, winding through pain, confusion, and an endless quest for recovery.

But we were never alone. The Royal Air Force Benevolent fund , providing support and assistance when i needed it most. Slowly, through tireless dedication, I realized that my role as a care giver and supporter had become my new mission, and with not being around and being away not able to support my wife and I made the heart-wrenching decision to leave my military career behind to be there for my wife.

Transitioning to civilian life was its own battle. The Royal British Legion became our guiding light during those challenging times, helping me find my footing again and supporting us as we adapted to our new normal. And then, a miracle happened! Seven years later, after all the struggles and tears, heart surgery aswell my wife achieved a near-full recovery. With renewed spirit, I felt the call of my heart once more. Two years ago, I rejoined the army as a sponsored reservist, driving tank transporters with a company called FTX. That little piece of military life reignited a spark within me, filling me with joy and passion for my work that I hadn’t felt in years. My wife remarked that she hadn't seen me this happy since before her stroke.

But life isn’t always smooth sailing. In January, after living with my wifes parents our family 7 years my wife and i, our three wonderful children,needed to find our own place. After fighting our local council on 3 different occasions for help with housing close to her parents and family support and being rejected The fear, the stress, and the crushing weight of what felt like failure as a husband and father overwhelmed me. In an act of desperation, I reached out to the Royal British Legion once again, and once more, they rose to the occasion, providing us with invaluable support that truly words cannot describe. With no savings, we were facing a dire situation, yet they stead fast and persisted in their efforts to assist us with our fight against the council.

Together, against all odds, we found a beacon of hope: affordable housing in a new build, a fresh start for our family. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of the Royal British Legion, and ABF who secured a grant to pay our deposit and first month’s rent. They furnished our children’s rooms, our bedroom something we hesitated to accept, but they insisted! And of course, they ensured our kitchen was equipped with essential white goods. I am painfully aware that without their unwavering support, we could have faced homelessness, separation, and the heartache of emergency accommodation.

Now, I am excited,proud to be announcing that I am taking action to give back to the organizations that have supported us so selflessly. I am embarking on organising charity car rally around the UK at the end of january over three days, driving a fully wrapped car to raise awareness for these wonderful charities. Along the way, we will be visiting 9 historic military locations, dedicating time to walk 5 miles at each location. Together with other serving and non serving, these efforts will help raise as much as possible for those who serve and have served our country. Before I deploy abraud for 6 months with the army.

If you would like to join me on this trip then please dont hesitate to get in touch with me

Today, I stand before you, asking for your help to raise £15,000 for 3 incredible charities the Army Benevolent Fund, Royal Air force Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust, that uplift our serving members and veterans.

Reaching our goal of £15,000 is within our grasp!

Thank you from the depths of my heart for taking the time to read my story. It has been a struggle to type this, but my passion for the cause burns bright. Let’s work together to continue this vital journey of support and healing for those who have given so much.