Capt Ed Poynter (pictured), a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has walked the length of Hadrian's Wall to raise money for soldiers seriously injured in the conflict.Ed, of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, recently completed a six month tour of Helmand province, where 40 colleagues were killed or wounded.
The 27 year old of London, is now raising cash for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (BLESMA).
He hopes to have completed his 87-mile trip in Wallsend yesterday. Along with two of his brothers, Phil and Tom, the three left Cumbria on Sunday.
He said: "I was one of the lucky ones. I returned from Afghanistan unscathed. Many of my friends and colleagues did not.
"Amongst those who died was my great friend Lt Paul Mervis and completing this challenge is the least I can do to mark his memory and help those who paid such a dear price.
"At one stage during the summer there seemed to be an awful incident almost every day. In one bomb blast we lost five men.
"I hope my effort will go some way to helping those with horrific injuries readjust to normal life."
He plans to leave the army next year and become a teacher. 'Out of the frying pan' some would say.
Posts
2 comments:
Strange how the claim of winning can be associated with ever increasing casualties?
How the incidences of 'friendly fire' seem to reappear when joint ventures with the Americans are instigated?
Why the 'news' is limited to the the deaths of 'heroes' and the maimed are not included.
Why similar exclusions are practised on the combined totals of NATO forces, or civilian, or for that matter, Taliban casualties?
Fact can be manipulated and used selectively to obscure truth. This is exactly the case in Afghanistan. A stupid attempt to destroy corruption by adding more corruption to the mix.
Irrespective of the generals quivering their lips at the thought of their dummies being thrown out the only sensible option is to get our troops out and back home.
Thanks for your comment Crinkly. It's so accurate.
By all accounts the Americans are 'good' at friendly fire. Shoot first, think later, is a saying I've heard more than a few times.
The generals are only doing what they've been told. Our politicians today have the 'taste' of war and I can see our military at war for many years to come. Not just Afghanistan either. But then I think you know that too.
Post a Comment