Felix Fund bomb-disposal expert charity launched
Friday 16 September 2011 7:53 AM
A charity set up with the aim of raising £1m to help Army bomb-disposal experts is being officially launched.
The Felix Fund is based at the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiment of the Royal Logistical Corps in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Cpl Daniel Wittingham from the regiment, who lost his leg below the knee, said the charity helped returning troops "come back into the real world".
It will help fund recovery breaks and internet access for soldiers abroad.
Financial assistance could also be provided for emergency travel, specialist mobility equipment following serious injuries and help with funeral expenses.
'Astonishing courage'
On their return from overseas bomb squads often disperse to different UK bases.
But the breaks organised by the charity reunite the teams who often form strong bonds out in the field.
It is the charity's belief that the week of adventure sports, socialising and relaxation enables them to support each other as they re-adjust to society.
Cpl Wittingham said: "It's just so you can have that final debrief but not in military surroundings. It's that final round up of everything."
The corporal is now a member of Great Britain's Para-canoe team after receiving a grant for kayaking equipment from the Felix Fund.
Lord Ashcroft, who is hosting the charity's official launch at a reception in the House of Lords on Thursday, said: "Bomb disposal experts are a small and unique group of men and women.
"Across the UK and overseas, they repeatedly employ truly astonishing levels of courage in order to save countless lives. Yours could be one of them."
EOD teams disarm as many as 40 lethal explosive devices a day in Afghanistan.
Cpl Wittingham said the regiment attracted "a special type of character that also likes a certain hint of danger".
"I'm the type of person that used to blow his eyebrows off in chemistry," he said.
Also See