Newsletters
Newsletter 9 – July, 2010
The Mark Wright Project – National Winner of the Friends of the Forces Awards
Bob and Jem travelled to London on Tuesday, 13th July, 2010, to represent The Mark Wright Project who were shortlisted for the National Community Group Award at a Gala Evening organised by The Royal British Legion and attended by Prince Harry. 
There were three other categories as well as the Community Group Award and the winners were chosen from 450 nominations nationwide. Our charity was short-listed along with the Town of Wootton Basset who have received great publicity over the last year with the constant repatriation of our servicemen killed in Afghanistan. A panel of independent advisers chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup selected The Mark Wright Project as winners of their category.
Prior to this event, The Mark Wright Project had won the Scottish Regional Award for the Community Group category which was presented in Edinburgh Castle on Monday, 5th July, 2010.
It is of further interest that the Midlothian MP, David Hamilton, has tabled and Early Day Motion at the House of Commons congratulating The Mark Wright Project on The Friends of the Forces Award and commending the work we do. The wording of the mtion is as follows :
“That this House congratulates The Mark Wright Project on winning the Royal British Legion's National Community Group prize at the recent Friends of the Forces Awards; commends the organisation for it's dedication to men and women from all branches of the armed forces in addressing post-conflict issues, providing hands-on, active and practical support to help ease their transition to civilian life; believes that the organisation is a fitting tribute to Corporal Mark Wright, a paratrooper with the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, who died whilst serving in Helmand province; notes that this award recognises the huge achievement made by all involved with the Mark Wright Project in the short time since it started in July, 2009; hopes that the Mark Wright Project will endeavour to continue this good work; and offers it's staff and supporters it's gratitude and best wishes.”
Congratulations to everyone who has contributed towards this wonderful achievement.
London Marathon
On the 25th April 2010 Steven Waterston, ‘The Mad Army Chef’ raised money by running just over 26 miles in the London Marathon. Proceeds raised by Steven Waterston will be split between The Mark Wright Centre and Charles Bell Pavilion, Asthley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh. The Mark Wright Centre thanks Steven Waterston for his contribution.
Great Glen Walk
On the 30th April 2010 Tam Smith raised funds by walking the whole 73 miles of the Great Glen Way, a walking route running from Fort William at the northern end of the West Highland Way to the City of Inverness along the Great Glen Fault.
Bupa Great Edinburgh Run
On the 2nd May 2010 ex-servicemen David Hall and Colin Taylor ran the 10k Bupa run, passing famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, the Royal Mile and the Scottish Parliament. They ran in order to raise money for the Mark Wright Project, where they are both volunteers. Not only did they participate in the run, but they did it with army boots on and 30 or 40lbs strapped to their backs – despite this added difficulty David said, ‘For us, it’s not really a race. It’s a fun race and we’re looking to help a very good cause’.
Visit to Northwood – Joint Command Headquarters
Bob and Jem Wright visited the Joint Command Headquarters at Northwood on the 6th May 2010. A new joint command headquarter had recently been built, and a conference room was named in honour of Mark Wright. This special event was also attended by Prince Philip and the Queen, who opened the new headquarter.
PART 2 Newsletter Issue 9 Click HERE
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