Army wives troop out for injured

THE wives of soldiers serving in Afghanistan are set to take part in a half-marathon relay in the Capital this weekend to raise money for injured servicemen and their families.

Starting from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, the Royal Mile Relay will see 14 shuttles of runners and walkers travelling the length of the Royal Mile to the Scottish Parliament.

The event has been a welcome focus for the wives of the soldiers from 2 SCOTS who are currently serving in Afghanistan, as they say the training has offered them a distraction.

The money raised will go to the whitehackle.com fundraising appeal for wounded and injured soldiers and their families.

The 2 SCOTS - based at Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik - are around halfway through their tour of duty in Helmand Province and are due to return in April.

Jane Strudwick, wife of Major Piers Strudwick, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, said: "The ladies taking part in the Royal Mile Relay have been training hard over the past couple of months and are looking forward to taking part in this, the next challenge to raise money and awareness for our charity www.whitehackle.com.

"It has been a great way to improve fitness, help time go by quickly and support our husbands while they are away in Afghanistan serving with 2 SCOTS.

"With 2011 here we can begin to think about the return of our loved ones and this event helps us remain committed to supporting them and ourselves during this prolonged time of separation.

"We are hugely grateful to all the support that we have received from the public and local businesses."

The appeal has tried to organise a fundraising event every month to mark each month that the soldiers have been out in Afghanistan, including a previous walk from Edinburgh Castle to Glencorse Barracks.

Captain Walter Barrie, unit welfare officer at 2 SCOTS, said: "Our fundraising appeal to provide support for wounded and injured soldiers and their families is a great cause and the support we have received from the people of Scotland has been absolutely fantastic.

"The troops from 2 SCOTS, who are normally based at Glencorse Barracks, Penicuik, are currently deployed in Afghanistan, and are approximately halfway through their tour of duty in Helmand Province.

"The Royal Mile Relay is a great opportunity for the wives to focus on something in support of their husbands and raise awareness of our wristband appeal."

The relay starts at 9am on Saturday.