The wives, girlfriends, families and friends of 1st Battalion The Rifles have raised a staggering £150,000 for the Battalion’s ‘Swift and Bold’ wristband appeal in just a year.
The short term empathetic appeal was set up by the Battalion in January 2011 as it prepared for the Operation Herrick 14 mission in Afghanistan.
Its aim was to raise money to offer instant support to Riflemen who were injured during the tour of Afghanistan’s Helmand Province and their loved ones, and to help the families of those riflemen from the Battalion who were killed while serving their country.
Now the post operational tour leave period is over for 1 Rifles, the ‘Swift and Bold’ wristband appeal is formally being wound down.
The campaign was coordinated by 28-year-old Charlotte Branston, whose husband Captain Sam Branston arrived back home in November along with 550 fellow Riflemen.
“We’re sincerely grateful to every single person who has contributed, no matter how large or small,” said Charlotte.
“The freedom of Chepstow exemplified the support we have received with what seemed like the whole town lining the streets to welcome 1Rifles home. On that day alone we collected nearly £1,500.”
“The public have really connected with Battalion and shown unwavering support and pride for our riflemen and their families throughout the tour with huge numbers of people wearing their 1Rifles wristbands with pride.”
Tragically, five Riflemen from the battalion were killed during the most recent tour. Others suffered life-changing injuries.
The battalion continues to mourn the loss of the men it lost in action and the £150,000 raised is being put to good use.
Right now, a dedicated team of soldiers from the 1 Rifles welfare staff are using this money to support those Riflemen who were injured and their families, as well as the families of those Riflemen killed in action.
Any excess funds which come in will now go towards the long-term care of all those Riflemen affected for years to come through the Regimental Rifles charity Care for Casualties.
The requirement to continue fundraising never stops and related ‘Swift and Bold’ wristband appeals are seeking donations to raise money for the two other Rifles Battalions – 2 and 5 Rifles – who are currently deployed in Afghanistan. These Battalions are continuing to build on the success and achievements of the 1 RIFLES tour of duty.
Donations can still be made at swiftandbold.org
“The phenomenal support that 1 Rifles has received from our local community and friends over the past twelve months has been humbling,” said Lieutenant Colonel James de Labillière DSO MBE, Commanding Officer of 1Rifles.
“On behalf of those hit so hard by the conflict and of those who have taken such comfort from knowing of the support available should they need it, I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to all of our supporters.”

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