“What a fantastic experience. The gathering of guys, legends from all eras and parts of the world, to sit and spin dits, share experiences in a normal relaxed environment was priceless.”
This is just one of the many messages of thanks received by RMA – The Royal Marines Charity from one of the 32 veteran Royal Marines who joined this year’s Chamonix ski trip, now in its third season.
Taking part in the trip included those with various injuries and other health issues, together with instructors and support team members who gave up their time for free to ensure everyone got the most out of their time on the slopes. The group was split into two so each could enjoy a week-long session over the duration of a fortnight.
As on previous visits, former RM Ian Bishop surpassed all expectations in organising everything down to the last possible detail as well as being chief kit man, driver, cook and base CSM, ninja skier and, all in all, the person who makes these trips work so well for everyone. The group again stayed in a beautiful barn conversion which dates back to Napoleonic times and still has artefacts from the time when Napoleon’s army marched past! It’s owned by former paratrooper Dan White who very generously makes it available for free to accommodate the groups.
RMA – The Royal Marines Charity Jim Morris, Transition Support Officer South (and Wales) and Paul ‘Baz’ Barrett, Transition Support Officer North (and Scotland, Northern Ireland) who also accompanied the groups, said:
“To date, everyone that has been to Chamonix and skied the many runs in the valley have all gained a huge amount from the experience, not only on the slopes but living in the barn conversion with fellow Royal Marines – ranging in age from those in their 20’s to those in their 60’s – all having one thing in common: all being Bootnecks and cooking, eating, drinking and most of all chatting with people they totally trust and respect about all aspects of their lives -its priceless.’’
