Lowe Syndrome Coast to Coast Cycle Ride 30th August - 1st September 2009
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Hello I am Cpl 'Jase' Harwood from TMSF at RAF Marham. Way back in June 2007 my wife gave birth to our adorable son Benjamin. Within 2 hours of being born it was discovered that Benjamin had bi-lateral cataracts it wasn't until the next day that it became apparent that he possibly had Lowe Syndrome. Lowe Syndrome is also known as OCRL (Oculo-Cerebro-Renal) syndrome. The syndrome is caused by a DNA mutation - a single defective gene on the X-chromosome - that results in the lack of an enzyme. The syndrome is caused by a DNA mutation - a single defective gene on the X-chromosome - that results in the lack of an enzyme. The mutation can occur without any family history (a spontaneous mutation) or may be inherited through the mother. Babies are born with bi-lateral cataracts, hypotomia (muscle weakness), kidney problems (wasting of essential nutrients) impaired growth, intellectual impairment and later may suffer brittle bones, arthritis, rickets, epilepsy (seizures) and behavior problems (autistic spectrum disorder). Many also have cysts and dental problems.

He had his cataracts removed at 8&9 weeks old but it wasn't until November 2007 that we finally got the confirmation that he had the Syndrome. Benjamin now has a peg into his stomach for feeding (lowes children struggle to thrive). On top of these problems he also has problems with his kidneys which means that he has supplements in his food everyday. Benjamin is a happy little boy but due to having Lowe Syndrome he will probably not live into his 30's and may always need constant care (which his dedicated mum provides everyday). He has learning difficulties which coupled with low muscle tone means that the development of his mobility is delayed meaning he may never walk or it will take longer than most children.

This is just a little background about my own son but to help all the sufferers of Lowe Syndrome myself and a friend (Adam Fitzsimmons) are planning to cycle the width of the country, starting at holyhead ferry terminal (wales) and finishing at cromer pier (Norfolk). We plan to take only 3 days averaging approximately 100 miles a day. The dates for this event will be from 30th August - 1st September 2009.

Donations would be gratefully received and can be made at www.justgiving.com/jasonharwood. They would go towards funding research that can help to extend the lives of these cheerful, loveable and friendly children.

To help all the sufferers of Lowe Syndrome myself and a friend (Adam Fitzsimmons) are planning to cycle the width of the country, starting at holyhead ferry terminal (wales) and finishing at cromer pier (Norfolk). We plan to take only 3 days averaging approximately 100 miles a day. The dates for this event will be from 30th August - 1st September 2009.

It is with saddened heart that one of the biggest characters in the armament fraternity has passed away recently no other details are known as yet,RIP micky!!!

It is with a heavy heart that I have to report the passing of Simo. Ex of Wittering, Guttersloh, Brawdy, Bruggen and Kinloss.
After battling serious Akylosing Spondylitis and 4 years of Renal Colic he passed away in the early hours of the 18th of September, aged just 43.

Simos cremation will take place on Wednesday 1st October at Worle crematorium, Weston-Super-Mare, at 2PM.

A funeral service for Chris (Ronnie) Sell, will take place on Wed 27 Aug 08 at St George's Chapel, RAF Wyton at 1130hrs followed by a crematorium service (family and close friends only) at 1245. The wake will be held at the Masonic Hall, Chequer Square, Bury St Edmonds, IP44 1QZ. All former friends and colleagues are invited to attend the funeral service and the wake. Dress for Service Personnel attending is No1 SD with medals. Officers and WOs are to wear brown gloves with black armbands. In accordance with the family's wishes there are to be no floral tributes. However, donations can be made and will be divided equally between Macmillan Nurses, SSAFA and RAFA. Cheques should be made payable to Service Funds RAF Brampton/Wyton and sent to OC PSF RAF Wyton. POC is the Visiting Officer Sqn Ldr Graham Grice, RAF Wyton 95371 5252.

Ronnie (Chris) Sell lost his brave 18 month battle against a brain tumour on Saturday 16 Aug 08. He will be sadly missed by family and friends and will always be remembered for his humour, loyalty and his gift of the gab. A real character and true friend.

Sean Robson

Just trying to make sure that this item gets as much coverage across the Armament world as possible! I know from experience that we all complain because good jobs/posts never seem to be advertised, they often seem to be the province of the priveleged few.

Well, I'm about to complete a Loan Service tour here in Muscat, I work in the Arm Eng Dept, HQ RAFO. The Dept deals with absolutely everything armament, from storage, role eqpt, SA all the way to EOD. The post recieves LOA and Overseas Loan Service Allowance and is open to Sgt/Chf Tech/Flt Sgt, all you need is EOD, ESAM and preferably an Instructor Q.

No one has yet applied to replace me, If you are interested call Barney Wallace at PMA, he has my details and the necessary gen to get you started on the trail! This is a plum job and if it goes begging we'll loose it forever!

"Giz" Neal

"This year's UK Arm Golf Championships will be held at Boston West Golf Club on the 30th June 2008. It is expected to attract over 100 Armourers past and present, and will be heavily sponsored by several major defence companies. This is an ideal opportunity to catch up with some old friends over a few beers while having a good walk spoilt. If you are interested in taking part or require further details please PM me.

Regards Beaver80"

On July 18th 2008 the 2nd Charity Cricket Match will be held between 5131 Bomb Disposal Squadron and a Barnack Select XI. The match will just like last year be played at Barnack Cricket Club near Stamford, the start time of the match is yet to be announced, however its normally around 1800hrs. Anybody interested in coming to join in the festivities is most welcome. Last year was a tremendous success and a good time was had by all - not many sober people left at the end. We even had a streaker (less said about that the better though I think as some people are still suffering from the trauma of seeing Odd Job with no clothes on). I am hoping that as many armourers as possible could attend and help us to raise money - this year am hoping that a donation will be made to Help for Heroes, a totally worthwhile cause. Just like last year the match will take place (bar open pre-match of course), and after the game there will be a disco and more drinking, a raffle and possibly an auction (depending on what I manage to scrounge from generous local companies). The theme for fancy dress this year is the 1970's. So please if you fancy a giggle come and join us. If you need any further information you can contact me via this site or by emailing me at cindyquirk72@aol.com

Thank you

Cindy

Armourer lost an arm in Basra cycling the Big Battlefield Bike Ride Sponsorship!!!

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Big Battlefield Bike Ride- 26th May 2008 to 1st June 2008

Hello I am SAC(T) Jon-allan Butterworth and I work at RAF Cottesmore as an armourer. I was injured last August in Basra where I lost my arm in an Indirect Fire Attack. After excellent rehabilitation at DMRC Headley Court I felt like I had to give something back to help others through, what is a tough and difficult time ahead.
I am going to be part of the DMRC Headley Court cycling team, a team of patients and staff (support riders) will be participating in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride to show their support for the appeal and help contribute to the fund raising effort. Although the team will be made of 10 riders collectively we will only have 18 legs and 17 arms!! By participating it is hoped that:

1. The team will raise a significant contribution to the Appeal.

2. Team members will test their Physical fitness, stamina and mental toughness helping in their rehabilitation journey from injury.

We will be covering 342 miles over 5 days. Cycling from Caen to Calais, we will visit some of the many war memorials and battlefields of Brittany and Normandy. On the final day we will meet cyclists participating in the Great British Hero ride ( please see: http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/gbhr.html if you want to ride this) at Blackheath, South London and pedal to the Cenotaph. A fitting tribute to all those who lost their lives or were injured and maimed in conflicts around the world.
We have set ourselves a heady target of £23000, of which my own personal contribution to this target is £2000 so please dig deep, every little will help. You can donate by either cheque, made payable to ‘’Help For Heroes’’, bank deposit or by going to our justgiving website, http://www.justgiving.com/jonallanbutterworth1.

Thank you.