Surf Action and the Not Forgotten

Last week was again humbling and inspiring for all of us at Surf Action. The Not Forgotten Association has been taking injured servicemen and women on adventure trips and holidays for 91 years. This past week eight injured soldiers were brought to Cornwall by the charity to try their hand at surfing with local charity Surf Action. Soldiers injured in a variety conflicts surfed for the first time. Among others, Royal Irish Rangers Pat  and Simon both suffered shrapnel wounds in the same blast in Afghanistan this year and had been invited to Cornwall by Events Director Rosie Thompson who is responsible for providing cheer and entertainment for injured soldiers and has been in this role for 14 years is an absolute legend and helps those who often need this type of activity to rebuild confidence and esteem.

Darren ‘Swifty’ Swift lost both legs in Northern Ireland in 1991 is an absolute inspiration to younger soldiers and anyone seriously injured. Swifty described his week as “absolutely amazing”.  He has become a competitive skydiver, he's learnt to snowboard, and surfing was a new challenge that was yet to be attempted and he did himself proud. Swifty also tried Stand Up paddle boarding and Surf Action happily organised this through Sunset Surf at Gwithian and wih the help of Anthony he's on his way to cracking this as well.

For those who don't know or are unfamiliar with Surf Action we support veterans and family members on a weekly basis through beach clinics held at Gwithian each Friday. We are also appearing on television this Sunday on ITV at 7pm in a new quiz show ‘Holding out for a Hero’ and are also finalists in the National Lottery Awards with voting currently running and ends at midday on 26 September. The public can vote for Surf Action by calling 0844 836 9705 or going online to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards