Aug 2020
Regiment’s virtual triathlon to China raises funds
Funds donated to Avonbourne
Soldiers from The Scottish Gunners swam, cycled and ran a total of 5,667 miles in a month as a fundraising venture to mark one of their battery’s most significant battles.
The distances completed by the 80 members of 127 (Dragon) Battery, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, represent the exact number of miles from their barracks in Larkhill, Wiltshire to Chinkiang Fu in Zhenjiang, China. The Battle of Chinkiang was fought in 1842 during the First Opium War and the success is credited with bringing an end to the war through the Treaty of Nanking.
The soldiers, who each completed 70 miles, raised £1,500, which is to be split equally between Avonbourne Care Centre in Old Sarum, Wiltshire and the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund (RACF)
Second Lieutenant Johnathon Day was the organiser of the event. He said: “There were some tense times about a week before our deadline and it seemed very difficult to achieve the full distance, but all the team pulled together and we finished even earlier than planned.”
“Avonbourne seemed a perfect pick for us as we know that many ex-servicemen and women have lived there and continue to do so, and with its charitable status, we know the money will be put to good use.”
Simon Mclean, General manager of Avonbourne said: “This has been a great challenge and I want to thank all who took part for their dedication and for their support of Avonbourne.”
The quality of OSJCT’s service has been accredited by the National Care Forum, through its "Quality First" framework and the Trust was delighted to have again been awarded a 'Top 20 Recommended Care Home Group' Award in the Large Care Home Group category of carehome.co.uk 2020 awards.
Photo: Soldiers of 127 (Dragon) Battery, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery present a cheque to Mercy Mautsi, Home Manager of Avon Court and Sharon Payne, Home Manager of Bourne House.