Page 78 - Bugle Autumn 2024

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LYLA’S DAY AT
BUCKINGHAM
PALACE
I’m Cpl Paul O’Donovan, a Rifleman who has been with the regiment for 21 years. Lyla is my daughter who might be known to those of you who follow her page on Instagram.
She was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of three and suffers from multiple seizures a week. I know lots of people have unwell children, but I wanted to tell you about the amazing support and help the regiment has provided me down the years, because it has been so supportive.
So where do I start?
Well, apart from the dealing with her condition since she was born Lyla was recently invited to the King’s Garden party earlier this year; but unfortunately couldn’t make it due to having brain surgery number 20. We posted about it on Instagram and a week later RHQ RIFLES got in touch saying that the Queen wanted to invite her to the Palace for a special tea party. I was in shock and couldn’t believe it!
Lyla has been ill recently and needs more surgery, so the Regiment paid for us to travel down the day before to help with the logistics, which touched us enormously.
On the day we arrived at the Palace to be met by the Queen’s Equerry, Major Plunket, a Rifleman we already knew, and after fighting our way through 1,000s of people we arrived at the main entrance. Lyla said she felt like a celebrity, and we then had drinks and watched the Changing of the Guard.
After that we were taken to the Royal family’s summer house in the garden, which I thought was very personal and lovely, and were introduced to the Queen. Her Majesty spoke to Lyla about how incredible Lyla is for all the charity work she has been doing over the years.
The Queen was then introduced to my six-year-old son, Henry who decided to bend down on one knee and smash his fist into the ground like a knight in medieval times! We all had a good laugh and the Queen put us all at ease, she was amazing. After tea and biscuits with the Queen she then took Henry to see The Rifles band, with one final surprise for Lyla which was a ride in the royal carriage.
As you can imagine the day has created very special memories, and we are so grateful to the regiment for helping to make it happen. It makes me proud to be a Rifleman and part of a regiment that genuinely cares about its troops and their families.
You can follow Lyla on Instagram @lylas_brain_tumour_ journey
Cpl Paul O’Donovan, RIFLES
78 RIFLES The Bugle
TRADITIONS
Over a decade ago WO2 Lee Zerafa (3R), WO2 Paul Simpson (1R), and I began a tradition that would grow into something substantial. In 2013, for a bit of fun, we completed various half marathons, our confidence grew, and we found ourselves signing up to North Germany’s toughest mountain marathon, the Harz Mountain Run.
Since then, we’ve all left 5 Rifles, but despite our commitments, we reunite once a year to tackle ‘one more.’ Every year, as we finish, we often say “never again,” but somehow, always find ourselves on another mountain, wet, cold, and miserable.
From the 10 peaks in Brecon to the 10 peaks in The Lakes, 100-milers in Scotland, and Ironman events in Europe, our determination to complete these ultras in our late 30s remains as strong as it was in our late 20s.
Given our dedication to these ultras, I decided to use this as an opportunity
raise money. Over the past 12 months, this tradition has raised nearly £5,000 for various charities, supporting veterans with mental health issues—a cause we all agree is crucial.
Having a target each year is also important for us. Physical and mental health are intertwined, each as vital as the other. Preparing for these events requires months of training in strength, and mental resilience.
What started as a bit of fun has become
a meaningful tradition. Our bodies may have aged 12 years, but as long as we can keep moving forward, our traditions will continue, and so will our efforts to raise money for our veterans. Next year we look forward to raising
money for the regimental charity and the RIFLES Benevolent Trust to help fellow Riflemen and their families
out.
WO2 Dave Clark 5 RIFLES