Street Collection at Solihull on Saturday 14 January 2012
A big THANK YOU to the people of Solihull for your support at our recent street collection.
£506.32 was raised.
Christmas Cake delivery to RCDM, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
Troop Aid Chairman handing over the Christmas Cake for the Military Patients to a member of Staff at RCDM Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
A big "Thank You" to Maria Sutton for yet another masterpiece. Maria donates a Christmas cake to the patients every year.
Kilimanjaro Treck
Des and Lynn Watkins from Oldbury in the West Midlands climbed Kilimanjaro in September 2011 and raised over £3100. Thank you both for not only raising this amazing amount but also for funding the trip yourselves. It is only with donations such as yours that we can continue to support our wounded servicemen and women. Photo - Pam received the cheque from Des and Lynn.
Kingsgate House Social Club, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull
The committee of Kingsgate House Social Club in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull held a fundraising disco in October and raised £1500. A big thank you to Sylvia and her team for organising a very enjoyable evening.
Great Midlands Fun Run Raises £2,500
Alan Bowdler entered the Fun Run on the first day of registration, back in early February. He is seen here presenting Al and Linda with the £2,500 cheque.
Challenge Adventure Group, Knowle and Dorridge
Challenge Adventure Group, a youth group based in Knowle and Dorridge raised £458.89 for Troop Aid. Well done and thank you all.
Chris and John Innes raise funds by selling their own homemade Christmas Cards
Chris and John Innes have raised £103 for Troop Aid through the sale of homemade Christmas cards. Their next sale is at The Saracen's Head in Kings Norton on December 10th.
Dorridge Fun Run 2011 Fund Raising
Despite the far from buoyant economic climate, the fund raising for 2011 exceeded expectations thanks to great support and we were delighted to be able to receive a cheque for £12,500 at a recent presentation hosted by the Mayor of Solihull.
Photo left to right: John Shepherd, principal sponsor; Malcolm Stent; Derek Joss, Troop Aid; Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Irene Chamberlain; Jeremy Walker, Edward's Trust; Rev. Duncan Hill-Brown, Vicar of St. Philip's and St. James' and Barry Chainey, Drum & Monkey.
We would like to offer a special thank you to Malcolm Stent who has supported the Fun Run since its conception.
Wayne's Mud Run
Wayne Leach from 237 West Bromwich Brigade Support Sqn RLC (V) has raised £800 in support of our injured troops at the recent Mudrunner in Eastnor.
Saturday 17th September
Troop Aid Grand office opening
Troop Aid was delighted to welcome so many supporters to the opening of the new office in Hall Green. The office was officially opened by David Bell, Deputy Mayor of Solihull and long term supporter of the charity.
Saint Martin's School, Solihull
Every year the senior school girls of Saint Martin's put together presentations of causes that are dear to their heart. The girls then vote on which one to nominate as the the school charity for that academic year. In September 2010, there were some compelling speeches but the one for Trop Aid, put together by the girls of Year 11 really catured the imagination.
They used a range of video and individual soldiers' accounts about the horrors of war and the difficulty of returning home injured from the theatre of battle. The girls were inspired not by a message of despair but one of hope. It was duly elected as school carity for 2010-11 by a landslide.
The girls went about raising funds with their usual gusto - filling bags of jumble, staging small fairs and organising sport events to collect money.
The events took place throughout the year and each form did its part.
However, the sponsored swim of a Year 7 class stood out from the crowd, raising £700 on its own. Other stand-out events included Brits Night - an evening of music and dance featuring both pupils and staff and the Year 10 staff v girls rounders match, this year complete with the haka and cheerleaders to help the match have that sporting edge. Naturally, the staff were not put off their game by such gimmicks!
With collections at our Christmas Carol service and the School Commemoration service at Saint Alphege Church, the girls raised over £4000 of which £700 went to support projects at our partner school in Nepal and the rest went to Troop Aid. It was our pleasure to present the cheque to Pam Sutton, who told the girls how the money will be spent.
With fewer than 250 girls in senior school, we are very proud of the sum raised and hope that it will go some way towards making a difference.
Paul Delaney
Charity Co-ordinator
10 September 2011
Troop Aid Ball
The National Motorcycle Museum Solihull
Now in its third year, a brilliant evening with a serious purpose - to raise funds for Troop Aid. Guests were greeted by the Band of the Royal Air Force College, ate a delicious dinner, and were entertained by the Singing Fireman followed by comedian Mr Ian 'Sludge' Lees. There were auctions of items most generously donated by individuals and numerous companies. The total raised was £18,300.00.
10 September 2011
Troop Aid Ball
The National Motorcycle Museum Solihull
Andrew Buckham from Irwin Mitchell's specialist Armed Forces team presents a cheque to Ben Parkinson for Troop Aid. Ben took park part in the Sheffield Lord Mayor's 10km run side by side with the team of solicitors who helped him secure vital cash to fund his rehabilitation and recovery.
Warwick Avon Rotary Club
£2,500 was raised at the recent Charity Golf Day organised by Warwick Avon Rotary Club at Leamington & County Golf Club. The money was divided and presented to the club's two main charities, Troop Aid and the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Picture above are new Warwick Avon President Jean Billingsley and Immediate Past President John Morris presenting cheques to Al Sutton of Troop Aid (right) and Phil Halford, Captain of Leamington & County Golf Club (left), who received the cheque on behalf of W&NAA.
The Spitfire
Regulars at The Spitfire in Castle Bromwich have raised a further £5691.40 in memory of Joe Murphy. Joe who served with 2 Rifles was killed on 10th July 2009 by an ied explosion as he was trying to carry an injured soldier to safety.
Sunday afternoon family event raises over £1000
Wylde Green Rotary had a relaxing and fun Sunday afternoon family event
raising over £1000 for Troop Aid. Thanks to Wm Wheat Garden Centre for use
of the marquee. The Irish band 'The Hurling Boys' provided lively entertainment.
Help with Grab Bag delivery
Josh Evans, Councillor Ted Evans and Doreen Evans from Flint helping Al and Ewan to collect Grab Bags from the warehouse for delivery to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Earlswood Methodist Church Fete
We are pleased that we will be able to send a donation of £1250 to Troop Aid who do so much for our injured troops when they return home.
Once again a GREAT BIG THANK YOU from us all at Earlswood Methodist Church.
Wylde Green Rotary
The Club recently hosted a Tea Party where there were prizes for the best hats depicting characters from stage and screen. It was a fun afternoon but with a serious purpose - raising £1640 for Troop Aid.
Residents of Robertson Knoll House
Photo of Al receiving the cheque from the residents of Robertson Knoll House, Shawsdale Road, Hodge Hill, Birmingham. They have done an amazing job by raising £1120 over the past year.
They organised raffles during their social evenings and also once a year they hold a large Charity Sale Day. "A Big Thank You" to you all for this wonderful donation to Troop Aid.
11 June 2011
Tandem Skydive at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon
On the 11th of June two very brave ladies did a tandem sky dive at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon to raise funds for Troop Aid. Pam Watkins from Thornbury near Bristol raised £3830 and Val Tucker from Newton Abbott in Devon raised £1508. A huge "Thank you" for your amazing courage and for the wonderful amount you both raised for our wounded soldiers.
Unfortunately Pam did not have a soft landing and as you can see from the photo she is nursing a broken ankle. Pam all of us at Troop Aid and your many sponsors wish you well and hope the ankle gets better very soon.
Tandem Skydive
A big thank you to everyone who took part in the tandem skydive.
A cheque for £8,000.00 was presented to Troop Aid at the Troop Aid Ball.
1 July 2011
Erdington Inner Wheel Troop Aid Fund Raiser
President Jackie Ridge after 2 years in office held her last fundraiser as President on 1st July 2011 for Troop Aid. We received support from work colleagues, friends and neighbours. This event was held at member Margaret Preston's house. We supplied jacket potatoes, strawberries, cream and scones. A raffle with many prizes that had all been donated was held.
All who attended enjoyed the fellowship of the evening and we are glad to report we raised £761 to present to Troop Aid.
Thanks was given to all for their support.
Dorridge Fun Run 2011
Congratulations to everyone who ran. Over £10,000 was raised to be split between Troop Aid and the Edward's Trust.
Paul Ponsonby Ltd, specialist distribution supports Troop Aid
Linda Wildman and Paul Ponsonby came up with the idea of supporting our injured troops by providing get well cards to go in the grab bags. The cards were designed by local children and each one has the message 'The thoughts and prayers of a grateful nation are with you'. The cards are beautiful and our troops are going to love them. Thank you Paul Ponsonby Ltd for supporting Troop Aid yet again.
South Staffs District Council
The Chairman of South Staffs District Council, Councillor Robert McCardle supported Troop Aid during his year in Office. Pam and Al went along to a recent Council meeting and collected a cheque for the magnificient amount for £7408.00. A huge thank you to Robert and Pip and the people of South Staffordshire for your support to Troop Aid.
Wimborne Freefall Parachute Jump
Pic one taken on the day and pic two taken in the grounds of the Minster are some of the fundraisers who took part in the 13000ft Freefall Parachute Jump and the staff of the Albion Inn Wimborne together with John Howarth (Father of Trooper Andrew Howarth QRL KIA on the 18th of September last year) with Al and Pam.
Pic two - John Howarth presenting a photo montage of the Jumpers and Andrew.
The father of a young Dorset soldier who was killed in Afghanistan has helped to raise funds for a charity that his son was supporting.
Just days before he returned to Afghanistan from his R & R Andrew Howarth met up with two of the founders of Troop Aid. Andrew's Grandma is friends with the founders and he was passionate about the cause.
Since Andrew's death John Howarth has worked tirelessly for the charity clocking up more than £3000. John has also mustered up so many of his friends and family in Wimborne that it would seem that the whole town has been fundraising for Troop Aid. Sue at the Albion has raised £2259 and Becky, Caz and the team at Superdrug, Wimborne have raised £540. Allenborn Middle School and St Johns First School also in Wimborne have been fundraising for Troop Aid.
Outlaws Motorcycle Club
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club are proud to present this cheque for £5000 to such a worthy cause and our well wishes go out to all those concerned. The monies were raised due to two Outlaws M.C. members who ran the Leicester marathon in October 2010. We would like to thank all Outlaws M.C. members, their families and members of all the local M.C.C clubs who sponsored the two runners.
12 Mile Stretcher Run
Birmingham Airport to Queen Elizabeth Hospital
On April 2nd members of the Territorial Army at 237 Supply Regiment simulated the journey injured troops take from the airport to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and raised over £2,000.
Well done to all of you for raising public awareness as well as an incredible amount of money.
Royal Signals help Troop Aid
Soldiers from the Royal Signals based at Blandford Camp in Dorset helping to raise funds for Troop Aid.
In the photo Signalman Moran and Signalman Rouse, this collection of £400 was organised by S/Sgt Drew McMahon who was assisted by Signalman Neery.
THANK YOU to everyone at Blandford Camp who contributed to this collection.
London Marathon 2011
Troop Aid would like to say a huge "Thank You" to Carolyn Dance, Justin Haywood and Barbara Sutton for completing the London Marathon and thank you for choosing to run for Troop Aid.
Your efforts will make a real difference to our injured servicemen and women. Justin raised £680, Carolyn was sponsored for £1076,53 and Barbara made £1047.10. A truly great effort, thank you.
LONDON MARATHON 2012
We do not have any corporate places. If you get a place through the ballot system and you would like to run for Troop Aid in 2012 then please get in touch with us.
info@troopaid.info
Monday 11 April 2011
Rotary acknowledges Al and Pam's work
Al and Pam were presented with Paul Harris Fellowships at the Rotary Club of Edgbaston Convention on 11 April. Reading the citation, David Aspinall said that the Fellowships are only awarded to non Rotarians who have made an exceptional contribution.
Al is pictured with left to right: Diane Aspinall; Sharad Singhal, Club President; David Butler, District Governor and David Aspinall.
On receiving the awards Al, speaking on behalf of Pam and himself, commented on the tremendous support Troop Aid has received from the Rotary organisation and its members. They have been made very welcome at many Rotary Clubs who have always been highly supportive of Troop Aid's work both in a practical and financial sense, for which they are most grateful.
The Grant Arms, Cotteridge
The regulars at the Grant Arms have held a number of fundraising events and presented Troop Aid with a cheque for an incredible £2,076.81.
Brave, the Troop Aid Bear,
visits the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Saturday 12 March 2011
Chimney Demolition in Colwick, Nottingham
Mr I Button (first picture: centre) was the winner of the raffle to press the button to blow up the chimney. A big thank you to all at Chris Allsop Demolition who organised the event.
Wii fit supplied to Camp Bastion
Troop Aid have a supplied a Wii fit to the Physiotherapy Department in The Military Hospital at Camp Bastion.
The photo shows Bill and Chris of Defence Medical Welfare Services together with some of the Hospital Staff.
Cousin inspires Nikki to raise money for Heroes
Nikki Cole who is a pupil at Kingsmead Technology College in Cannock organised a Fundraiser for Troop Aid and Help for Heroes.
Nikki who is 17 is the cousin of Clive Smith who is the first Soldier from the Cannock area to be injured in Afghanistan. The all day event saw about 40 sixth form volunteers get their heads shaved or legs waxed. Other pupils in the school paid a donation to attend in non-uniform while sixth formers wore fancy dress.
Nikki said "When my cousin Clive lost his legs it really brought it home."
Nikki you have done an amazing thing in raising £1943.76 in one day for Troop Aid. We know you are very proud of the fact that you will have helped to pay for 77 Grab Bags.
Al Sutton Chairman of Troop Aid and Jim Inkster (ex I Staffords and Troop Aid volunteer) who was himself very seriously injured in Iraq in 2006 joined in the fun on the day.
"C" Company Warwickshire Army Cadet Force
Cadets from "C" Company Warwickshire Army Cadet Force have been to do their bit to help Troop Aid. Both Acocks Green and Alcester detachments have beaten the record for the number of bags packed in one hour. We will keep you updated on how the other detachments do when they come to pack during the next few months.
Weatheroak Lodge No 7214 raised £1000!
Brethren of Weatheroak Lodge No 7214 raised £1000 at a recent Ladies Night. Glynn and Julie Egginton came along to Troop Aid to present the cheque. Our thanks to everyone at Weatheroak Lodge.
26 and 27 February 2011
Off-Road Ride and Drive Event
Land Rover Experience, Solihull facility
Over £1,000 was raised at the event.
Thank you to all those who took part and special thanks to all the staff at Land Rover who made it possible.
Tandem Jump Wimborne, Dorset
Twelve people from the Wimborne area in Dorset have done a Tandem Jump at Netheravon to raise funds for Troop Aid. This fundraising event was also in memory of Trooper Andrew Howarth Queens Royal Lancers who tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in September last year. To date they have raised in excess of £3000. THANK YOU WIMBORNE FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Kate Frazer, Elgin, Scotland
The lady fourth from right is Kate Frazer. Kate is the driving force behind a whole series of fund raising in Scotland. Kate's nephew Robert Frazer was very seriously injured last year in Afghanistan.
So far they have held a 15 miles sponsored walk that raised just over £4000.
CO-OP stores in Scotland have all had events to date including some holding book stalls, cakes stands and raffles. The store in which Kate is based hired an exercise bike where the public had to guess how far the staff could cycle in 6 hours. They managed just over 90 miles and raised a little under £700.
They are having a dance coming up soon where they hope to make a further £4000.
Kate and a few friends hit the small night life of Elgin and managed to collect just over £400 on a Saturday night!
17 January 2011
Magnus Church of England School, Newark
The pupils of Magnus Church of England School in Newark, Nottinghamshire collected a huge amount of items to donate to Troop Aid. Al and Pam were due to collect them before Christmas but unfortunately the snow made that impossible. On 17th January they travelled over to Newark to spend the day with the teacher behind this amazing effort, Ms Sarah Sturgeon and several classes who had helped to swell this huge donation. Thank you everyone at Magnus School for your contribution to help our injured servicemen and women.
Reynalds Cross School Choir
Reynalds Cross School Choir receiving their winners medals at Touchwood.
Reynalds Cross is lucky to have a fantastically enthusiastic choir who not only sing but also sign along to songs. They frequently perform at different venues and were invited to take part at Christmas in the Touchwood Christmas Choir Competition. We were the first to sing and as usual the pupils did us proud! We sang favourites like "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night" finishing with a very enthusiastic rendition of "Jingle Bells!"
After a period of a few weeks when people were invited to vote on line for their favourite choir we won! – a cheque for £1000. The pupils will be consulted as to how their winnings are spent and we are hoping to take them all to a West End Musical.
The Choir undertakes many charitable events including recently singing to raise money for Troop Aid – they raised a staggering £579.52, later in the year they will be "Busking for Cancer" again, an annual event.
Their success is down to the pupils own hard work and tenacity and also the staff who frequently give of their own time to support the choir.
23rd December 2010
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
Al delivering the Christmas cake to the ward sister on the military ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
Chadsmore United Football Club in Cannock cheque presented by Clive, Stephen and Allison
Clive has been very appreciative of the support provided by Troop Aid since his injury in Afghanistan that he would like the charity to benefit from this kind gesture. Chadsmore United Football Club in Cannock have raised £769.02 to support injured servicemen and women in hospital. Thank you Clive, Stephen and Allison for coming to Solihull to present the cheque to Troop Aid.
CTC Kingshurst Academy raise £2,600
The attached photo is of the post 16 year students at CTC Kingshurst Academy, Cooks Lane, Birmingham. The following narration is by one of the students, his name is Liam:
"On the 6th on June 2010 the Uniform Services group took part in an event to raise money for a local charity called TROOP AID. This charity raises money for soldiers in Afghanistan and supplies the injured ones with grab bags. These grab bags include essentials for the injured soldiers until they reach the Queen Elizabeth hospital. These bags make a huge difference because without them soldiers would only have a pair of boxers and a towel.
After months of preparation we finally started and finished the event by doing a 24 hour relay run with a stretcher. We ran the equivalent of 6 marathons and raised over £2,600 in total.
I was proud of myself and my group for raising this amount of money for Troop Aid and knowing it will help out our injured soldiers means a lot to us all. Also I would like to thank everyone involved in the run as well as Al and Pam Sutton for giving us the opportunity to show our appreciation of the job our brave soldiers are doing. We hope to get more opportunities to raise more money for Troop Aid in the future."
13 December 2010
Miss England helps with Troop Aid Bag Packing
Miss England, Jessica Linley joined the Troop Aid packing team on Monday 13th December to pack some Grab Bags for injured soldiers.
11 December 2010
Knowle Royal British Legion
The Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Councillor Ian Courts and Mrs Sheila Courts attended the Troop Aid Christmas Fayre on Saturday 11th December at the Knowle Royal British Legion. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make it a great occasion. The total amount raised was £1008. Thank you to all who supported the event.
3 December 2010
Tesco, Monkspath
Despite freezing conditions we were delighted to collect £420 from generous shoppers. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Everest Base Camp Trek
"The trek by former soldiers was to Everest Base Camp via the 17,550 foot Gokyo Ri and over the 17,783 foot mountain pass of Cho La. While several were held back by illness, the majority succeeded in variable weather. The programme included a Remembrance Day ceremony on the shores of the sacred Gokyo Lake, probably the highest ceremony in the world on that day at 15,719 feet. The average age of the group was around 60, proving that age is no limit to adventure. All had been encouraged to raise money individually for military charities. While I was the only one supporting Troop Aid, others raised money for charities which in turn provide support to Troop Aid. We did this trek for the enjoyment and challenge. Troop Aid volunteers carry out their work for the good of our injured soldiers. They deserve the greater credit, and I was delighted to make a small contribution." Andy Norris.
19 November 2010
Thank you Bournville Rugby Club
Bournville Rugby Club donated 50 polo shirts prior to their game against Stratford On Avon on November 19th. Receiving the shirts is Jamie Stokes, Troop Aid volunteer, on the left of the photo Ian Gay Bournville Chairman and on the right Steve Foley Honorary Life President.
Moseley Hall Hospital Birmingham
The staff of Moseley Hall Hospital in Birmingham presented Al with a cheque for £2000. The driving force behind this fundraising was Mrs Chris Innes from Ward 5, on the left of the photo. A big "thank you" to Chris for all the hard work she put into raising this wonderful amount.
Marks & Spencer Bag Packing at Solihull
Troop Aid volunteers did three Bag Packing days at Marks & Spencer in Solihull during September and October. The total donations from the customers who had their shopping packed for them was £3172.20 and Marks & Spencer under their matching scheme added another £1000 making a grand total of £4172.20. The Troop Aid Trustees would like to thank all the customers for their generosity and Marks & Spencer for allowing us to do the packing and for their donation. Photo: Marks & Spencer employees presenting the cheque to Al Sutton, left to right: Marilyn Mills, Jill Lowry, Dawn Hart and Wendy O'Grady.
3 November 2010
Birmingham Girl Brigade Company
Pam went to visit the 21st Birmingham Girl Brigade Company at Digbeth in the Fields Church with a Grab Bag and Brave the Bear. The girls decided to draw a very large Poppy and fill it will small coins to raise money for Troop Aid. They raised £35.90. A big "Thank you" to you all.
Great Midlands Fun Run
Alan Bowdler from Wylde Green Rotary, accompanied by his wife, Fran, are pictured presenting a cheque for £1200 to Al and Pam Sutton of Troop Aid. Alan raised the monies through his participation in the Great Midlands Fun Run earlier in the year. Photograph: Clear Image Photography.
29-31 October 2010
Troop Aid at Rotary District Conference
Rotarians from the Wylde Green Club manned a stand for Troop Aid at their recent District Conference raising £300 selling Troop Aid merchandise. Falklands veteran Simon Weston was one of the guest speakers and he stopped by the stand.
Netherton Wives Group raises £1,100 for Troop Aid
A big thank you to the Netherton Wives Group.
Amy and Caitlin raise £100!
Amy aged 9 picked up one of our leaflets at the Sutton Coldfield Carnival in June. Without any discussion with her parents she decided to organise a fundraiser to donate proceeds to the Grab Bag appeal. Along with her friend Caitlin they organised a lucky dip using some of their own things and making small purchases with their own pocket money. They gave up their lunch breaks and play times and they managed to raise just over £90 (breaking their school record). A family friend made this amount up to £100.
Thank you Amy and Caitlin for this marvellous effort.
24 October 2010
Rob raises £725 for Troop Aid
Rob Blackmore ran the Birmingham half marathon in memory of his much loved brother James who was killed in Afghanistan. He did it in an incredible 1hr 40minutes and raised £725 in support of our injured troops. Well done Rob.
29th September 2010
Dorridge Fun Run Cheque Presentation
A gathering in the Mayors Parlour in Solihull of some of the sponsors, supporters and charities to witness the cheque presentation. The Mayor Councillor Ian Courts presented £10,500 each to Marie Curie and Troop Aid, two of the charities the Mayor personally supports. Key staff from John Shepherd Estate Agents and Enzo Hairdressers were there and our thanks are due to them for their generous sponsorship of the event. Well done Peter and the team from St Philips and St James Churches in Dorridge for a wonderful event.
11 September 2010
Troop Aid Ball
National Motorcycle Museum
Troop Aid wish to thank everyone who supported them at the recent Ball. We raised a fantastic £13,750. Special thanks to the Band of the Royal Logistics Corps, David Copperfield, Frank Carson, Steve Hyde and Tommy Lynch. Hope you all join us again next year.