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Andrew Bushell is taking part in the Virtual Frontline Walk 2020 to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. He serves as the Sergeant Major at the Chetwynd Barracks of local Army Reserve unit, 234 Squadron Royal Logistic Corps.
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the national charity of the British Army, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans, and their families when they are in need. You can donate to Andrew’s cause here.
Andrew said, “With Remembrance approaching, it was a great opportunity to discover some local history and remember local men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace. It also provided motivation to keep myself physically and mentally fit during what is a very difficult year due to COVID-19. Having something else to focus on other than the pandemic has been really useful.”
As a part of his effort, amongst other locations, Andrew visited Birkenhead Cenotaph, West Kirby War Memorial and Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, which has over 200 war graves.
ABF is a grant-making charity, supporting 70,000 people in around 60 countries each year. They do this by awarding grants to individuals and families, and providing essential funding to around 90 charities and organisations that support the Army family. When we hear of a person or family in need, we aim to respond within 48 hours.
The following video shows a case study of how ABF helps soldiers and their families.
234 Squadron is one of five squadrons that make up 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC): 234 – Birkenhead, 235 – Liverpool, 236 – Salford, 238 – Bootle and 381 – Lancaster. Andrew said, “As part of 156 Regiment RLC, members of 234 Squadron were tasked with providing essential logistical support when the COVID-19 pandemic ‘kicked off’.
Reflecting on a busy year, he said, “We were working as part of Operation RESCRIPT (the Army’s COVID-19 operation name). We were directly involved in the NHS Supply Chain and were responsible for shipping millions of pieces of PPE around the UK, including all of the PPE for the Nightingale hospitals.”
A representative of 234 Squadron said, “We’ve created this team [of walkers] because we want to raise money and make a difference by participating in Virtual Frontline Walk 2020. Please help us by giving whatever you can. The more people that know about Virtual Frontline Walk 2020, the greater the impact, so please also spread the word. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!”
You can make a donation by visiting the fundraising page here >>> https://virtual-frontline-walk-2020.everydayhero.com/uk/andybushell
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