PADDLER 19
ALLIED LANDING BEACHES
Following this crossing , the Paddle Group conducted a littoral paddle of the Allied landing beaches , beginning with the US sectors ( Utah and Omaha ) on the 5 June and culminating with the British and Canadian sectors ( Gold , Juno and Sword ) on the 6 June , where the Paddle Group joined the reenactment of the landings at Gold Beach with 47 Commando on the D-Day anniversary itself .
The expedition aimed to increase awareness of both the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the RMA ’ s vital work with veterans , as well as raise over £ 40,000 for the charity . With all funds raised through the expedition matched by Patron Capital , it is the latest in the long-running charitable partnership between the two organisations , which has seen Patron and Keith Breslauer raise approximately £ 5.3 million for the charity since 2010 , helping more than 460 serving and retired service personnel directly .
Keith Breslauer , who joined the veterans on the expedition , said , “ This re-enactment was not only a way to remember and honour the heroes of June 1944 who turned the tide on the Nazi occupation of Europe , but by including veterans rehabilitated by Hasler Naval Service Recovery Centre , provided the opportunity for wounded , injured or sick servicemen on their rehabilitation journey to overcome an immense challenge . Having paddled alongside them for hour after hour , I was also honoured to share this experience with them as we pay tribute to past heroes and those who have served or continue to serve in our armed services . As Vice Patron of the RMA , I am immensely proud to continue to support the exservicemen and women who give so much for us .”
HASLER NAVAL SERVICE RECOVERY CENTRE
The RMA , Keith and Patron have worked extensively with the Hasler Naval Service Recovery Centre to help war veterans preparing to re-enter civilian life through donations to fund specialist equipment , respite breaks for them and their families at Patronowned hotels , and introductions to source relevant internship and career opportunities .
Thanks to various sponsors , charitable donations and Patron ’ s support , the RMA Paddle Group can now deliver six boats with the correct PPE to individuals for an expedition with zero cost . But it ’ s
PADDLER 19