Page 78 - Bugle Spring 2023

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THE ALWAYS A RIFLEMAN PROGRAMME (AARP)
A year has passed since the AARP was formed and it has gone from concept
to remarkable output in the blink of an eye. Whilst the Regimental Trustees have demonstrated their forward thinking
and initiative to fund such an ambitious programme, the credit sits firmly with those who have volunteered to help make it work.
But it is not just the veteran Riflemen
that Sarah has been helping. Thanks to the generosity of Kim and Michael Shaw, the parents of 4 RIFLES’ veteran, Jamie they have generously offered the use of their villa to
the AARP for the delivery of R&R to families struggling with complex PTSD. On the coast of Portugal, with its own private swimming pool, Sarah has established protocols for families to take respite from their grief.
Of course, attending these activities costs money and it is the AARP volunteers who have come forward in their hordes to raise money to help fund the recovery of fellow Riflemen and their families. The programme has received astonishing support from 1 RIFLES who have raised several thousands of pounds running
themselves ragged on several occasions.
In typical fashion, those who once served
with the regular battalions have also joined in with Stu Chamberlain cycling around the UK on a bike once owned by Captain Gaz Case.
In July, WO2 (RQMS) Farrell successfully ran a 100-mile mountain ultra across the Brecon Beacons in support of the AARP. Out of the
70 competitors that started the event only
34 runners finished, with Farrell coming in at an impressive 8th place despite the amber weather warnings. After the run he said, “I am extremely proud that I have played my part in raising some awareness for the AARP. In short, it has made me proud to call myself a Rifleman.”
Hard Hitters is a charity run by Luke Nevin (3 RIFLES), which was born from the AARP mentorship of Danny McCreath (4 RIFLES).
In the splendour of St George’s Grand Hall, Liverpool they brought together 300 veterans to witness 10 phenomenal boxing matches of veterans versus serving soldiers. And whilst lots of money was gratefully raised, it was more about the connectedness than it was about the boxing.
it has made me proud to call myself a Rifleman
In the first year of formation, the AARP has delivered over 2,000 hours of bespoke mental health therapy for more than 100 Riflemen
of all ranks and ages. 20 mentors have been deployed in the UK as well as Australia, Africa and Estonia and travelled over 40,000 miles in pursuit of our delivery.
2023 will present its own challenges, but we will meet them head on and continue to help those in need.
78 RIFLES The Bugle
Sjt Jake Depledge wins his middle weight fight at St George’s Hall for Hard Hitters
In the stunning grounds of Everleigh Manor, Dave Hill led an AARP residential course delivered by the Armed Forces Equine Charity
AARP volunteer, Sarah Anderson, who attended the January AARP course, has been busy coordinating our struggling Riflemen and sending them away to mental health sanctuaries. The first was a 14-day diving course in Greece, which is designed to help veterans identify the root causes of complex stress.