Soldiers hit the wall on their march for Christian
A CHARITY set up in memory of a Coldstream Guard from East Bierley who was killed in Iraq has raised more than £17,000 from its latest event.
Fourteen members of Coldstream Kids walked the length of Hadrian's Wall to raise money for the charity which was set up following the deaths of Seargeant Christian Hickey and Guardman Anthony Wakefield in Iraq.
Former Guardsman Franco Gasparotti, 42, started organising the walk two years ago, when he planned to walk on his own to raise money for the charity, which was set up to support children of both serving and former Coldstreamers who may need help.
Mr Gasparotti said: "I could never have imagined talking about an event which saw Coldstreamers from all generations ranging from 34 years old to 71, taking part in arguably one of the hardest walks you could wish to participate in.
"Never in all my 42 years have I ever taken part in something so worthwhile which was in memory of two men who paid the ultimate price for their bravery while serving in our regiment.
"I'm sure every person taking part in this challenge would have had moments during the pain of the 84-mile, five-day walk to remind themselves of why we were there and why it was necessary to be taking part in this fundraising event.
"I was inspired by the commitment and dedication of everyone who took part whether they were members of the walk or logistics team as this was a week that saw the coming together of a band of brothers to work together and do a professional job in support of our comrades and their children with a dedicated charity which can only grow into something we as Coldstreamers can be proud of.
"It has been a hard journey since the tragic events of 2005 but I hope we can all play a part in ensuring that Guardsman Anthony Wakefield, Sgt Christian Hickey and all Coldstreamers who have fallen before them and those who may fall in the future will not be forgotten."
Sgt Hickey was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol.
His mother Pauline was at the presentation evening on the last night, to congratulate the walkers.
She said: "What shocked me was that some of the people didn't even know Christian, yet they put themselves out, in his memory.
"I think the whole thing was tremendous and I'm amazed that people took time off work to do this for the charity.
"Hopefully there will be a few fun days next year for people to get involved in and raise some more money for Coldstream Kids."
The website www.coldstreamkids.co.uk, is currently being put together to provide regular updates on fundraising events.
To make a donation to the charity call Franco Gasparotti on 0208 393 8641.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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