2022 marks the 10th running of the PARAS’10 Colchester. A testing 10 mile route on the local training area, this is a great event for anyone looking for a challenge. Located at Colchester Garrison in Essex, the event will take place on Saturday 14 May 2022.
Simply visit PARAS’10 Colchester (paras10.com) for more details or to sign up.
Looking for a challenge? Take part in our PARAS’10 Brecon event by completing a 10 mile course of your choosing between 09 and 16 July 2022. The challenge? You must hit 2,900 ft elevation to be in with a chance of winning a trophy!
All entrants will receive a special limited edition medal, regardless of elevation, on completion of the event.
Simply visit Brecon Virtual (09-16 Jul 2022) • PARAS10 for more information or to sign up.
PARAS’10 is going international. Take part in our PARAS’10 Arnhem event by completing a 10 mile course of your choosing between 01 and 08 October 2022. Entrants will receive a special limited edition medal on completion of the event.
Simply visit Arnhem Virtual (01-08 Oct 2022) • PARAS10 for more information or to sign up.
On 3 October 2021, Charlene Steele made her big brother and ex-PARA Kirk McLaughlin proud, as she took part in the Virgin Money London Marathon in his memory.
Kirk joined 3 PARA in 2003 in what Charlene describes as one of the best days of his life. He went on to complete two tours (Northern Ireland and Afghanistan) before sustaining a hip injury during a jump, which led to him being medically discharged. Kirk also suffered from PTSD and bipolar disorder, and without the Army, his illness got worse and he became lost.
Charlene says, “He served for Queen and country for 12 years, he had friendships and love. But when Kirk was on civi street, he suffered; he found it hard to communicate with the outside world, he found it hard to trust and we as a family saw his daily struggles, not just mentally, but also physically. It broke my heart to watch; he couldn’t carry the pain no more, he wanted to be free and wanted to spread his wings.”
“I never thought about running the marathon, but when I see first hand the work that SUPPORT OUR PARAS do, I wrote to them explaining why I would love to run the London Marathon for them. I am truly grateful they have given me the opportunity to fulfil it, so if you can find it in your hearts and help me along the way.”
We are very proud that Charlene ran for us this year. Her fundraising page raised over £3,000 with Gift Aid, which is amazing.
We hope you were able to gather with Airborne friends to watch the Presentation of Colours this year. On 13th July our Colonel In Chief, HRH The Prince of Wales presented the new Colours to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of The Parachute Regiment.
Unfortunately, due to the extension of the Step 3 Government restrictions, guest attendance to the event was very limited, focusing on the serving and their families, especially those that could not have a Pass Off Parade in the last year.
The broadcast started at approximately 1045hrs centred on the parade square in Merville Barracks, there was Three Guards drawn from the three battalions and we saw the Old Colours marched off for the last time. The Consecration Service followed and the New Colours were presented to the three Battalions. Activity on the Parade Square finished with a flypast and freefall display by the Red Devils.
Forces TV broadcast the event live on our Regimental Facebook page for our many supporters that could not attend in person.
There was also a range of commemorative merchandise for sale through the Airborne Shop with profits going towards SUPPORT OUR PARAS, The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity.