AUO Martin-Thompson, 2 Platoon, Newport Detachment Commander, Lincolnshire ACF
Sat 25th May 2013 saw Adults and Cadets of Newport Detachment, aiding the Help for Heroes charity on a sponsored walkand cash collection in Lincoln.We had been asked to helpMr Doug Hamilton-Cox and MrDeanBousefeild who were carrying out the walk. Doug has pledged towalk5000 miles round canals around the country, to raise moneyfor H for H.Dean was injured in Afghanistan and is fundraising for the Hfor H charity who have supported him during his recovery.
We arrived at the Woodcocks Hotel and Restaurant near Saxilbyat 08:45am, where we met Doug and Dean for the start of the 4.1km walk. We meet theLincolnshire Co-ordinator for H for H Mr David Lea and his wife and various other dignitaries from West Lindsey District council. Dean also had various friends to support him throughout his walk, former and serving members of the army.
We started the walk at 09:00 am, heading down the Fossdyke Canal towards Lincoln with Newport Cadets leading the group. We carried the H for H flag and collection boxes and Doug’s board, advertising what the walk was about. We stopped at The Pyewipe Inn to allow Dean and Doug to have refreshments and check how things were going in Lincoln with the cash collection. We were asked to help in the town centre collection so a group of cadets left the walk and travelled into town to help with the collection with adults from the detachment. Whilst on the walk members
of the public were very generous householders and people passing on boatspassed donations to the cadets. People on bikes and runners using the tow path all stopped and donated money to the charity.
We arrived it Lincoln around 11:30 am, finishing our walk at the war memorialon the high street. Dean hadfinished his longest walk un-aided, since the start of the recovery from his injuries. Lincoln Lions, Help for Heroes andCadets and Adults from Newporthelped out with the collection until mid afternoon. Members of the public expressedtheir condolences over the death of Drummer Lee Rigby and how it was good to see people in uniform helping with
the collection.
£2338, was raised on the day, this was over a thousand pounds more than was expected amount and beat the record for a local collection. Doug, Dean and David expressed their thanks for Newport’s help, commending the cadets for their bearing and professionalism. In all a good day was had by the cadets and those helping with everything. I was justifiably proud of the detachmentI have the honour to command and the effort they put in,well done to everyone.