Having just logged on to have a browse round, I saw the 2 lists of those who have lost their lives in either Afghanistan or Iraq.

Scrolling down and seeing just how many have lost their lives and their ages brought a big tear down my cheek and a lump in my throat, and for what I ask? - sorry I wont go on here.

The RTTW is one way of showing that we all really do care and remember them, and may God be with all those still out their serving their countries. They deserve more than just a medal.

Thinking of you all.

Jim & Anita (Tandem)

Watching Sports Relief last night I did wonder about the impact of an event like that to raise awareness and funds to assist the troops and their families. Looking at the lists I did recall a programme on TV a few months ago going through all the names, some with pictures, some with testimony from friends and family. What always feels worse is their age, they are so young all of them

And that's not just the current conflict, either. Afghanistan is simply the one in the news at present.

For me, what's pertinent is the fact that the Armed Forces Memorial up at the NMA goes back almost sixty years; from Aden in the 50's through to modern memory conflicts such as the Falklands and the Northern Island issues, it's important to remember them all in their own way.

I heard on the news the other day that the stonemason at the NMA will shortly start to add yet more names onto that marvellous monument. How touching & yet how sad.

We could wax lyrical for ages on the why, but those who serve have little choice in the why, they simply do & for that I for one am eternally grateful.

RTTW is in this for the long haul. If petrol runs out, I'll pedal because it's that important to remember those names.

I will be making a visit to the new household division memorial at the RTTW to pay my respect to the Grenadiers that won’t be coming home from this latest tour.

Its been a crap week for those one the front line again, to many young lives wasted, to many grieving friends,families and comrades.Reminds me why i'm doing this.

Reading the newspapers and watching it all on TV reminds us all why we do this, and why our numbers continue to grow in support of RTTW

Kiwi,

I am sure I understand your sentiment, however wording such as 'wasted' doesn't help the families and friends of those that don't return. Especially if those fallen truly believed in what they were doing, and why the do it.

It isn't a waste to belive in something completely - I certainly don't think of my colleagues that cant type a response personally as having wasted their lives.

I don't mean anything by my response other than - try to use positives rather than emotional negatives - god knows we need to remain positive especially after the last few months.

Yours Aye

WB

Hi Wberesford,

Sorry for my poor choice of wording, you're right it could have been better,we all have our off days i'm afraid. No offence was intended and as a member of the RTTW team i'm all to aware of the many reasons we all support the RTTW. Hope to see you on the day, ride safe.