Drivers and Riders
We were fortunate to be able to recruit the best people for the challenge and you can read all about them here. 7 wounded were able to take part in the challenge. However, regrettably 2 members of the team were not able to join us as a result of continuing operations.
Charlie Dalziel
Charlie attended Sandhurst, commissioning as an Officer in September 2007. He then joined 1 SCOTS, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. While on patrol in Afghanistan he was shot through his right calf, the bullet passing straight through the tibia, fracturing it and the fibula. Charlie is on the road to recovery but its taking longer than he hoped. “I want to get fixed, and head back to my Battalion. However, this seems a long way away at this moment in time. This is why I want to participate in the Horses Help Heroes challenge”. Read more about Charlie here »
Jacks El Tawil
The inspiration behind Horses Help Heroes is Jacks El Tawil who, as a NHS paramedic, helped to mentor members of the Forces in front line first aid. Through this Jacks came to see and understand the increasing number of wounded personnel who need costly support to recover from the horrific physical and mental injuries inflicted by war. Jacks, is a highly experienced horsewoman and carriage driver and as such was inspired to raise funds through her love of horses. She hopes to inspire the entire equestrian world with this challenge.
Matt Wilson
Joined the Army in 2005 aged just 19, choosing the Rifles Regiment. In spring 2009, in Afghanistan, Matt stepped on a pressure pad for a roadside bomb, the result was that he lost his left leg and severely injured his arm. After a lengthy recuperation, Matt has made a great recovery and has exciting plans for the future, “The support that I have received from Help for Heroes, BLESMA and The Rifles has been amazing. This is why I want to be involved with Horses Help Heroes. It is going to be a fantastic challenge – I have never driven a horse and carriage before – and it is going to help raise lots of money for the charities that have supported me so much. Bring it on!” Read more about Matt here »
Dan Dunn
Dan joined the Household Cavalry in 2006 aged 22, following in the footsteps of his father who was also in the Household Cavalry. After training in Windsor, Dan spent 18 months based at Knightsbridge as a mounted trooper mainly performing ceremonial duties. In February 2009, Dan moved from ceremonial to armoured responsibilities. After further training, Dan was posted to Afghanistan in October 2009. Read more about Dan here »
Colin Hamilton
Sergeant Colin Hamilton is a serving soldier with 3 SCOTS and based near Inverness, where he lives with his wife, Karen and two children.
He joined the army in 1993 and after spending seven years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers he transferred to The Black Watch in 2001 as a Warrior fighting vehicle Commander/Gunner. Shortly afterwards while on duty in Kosovo he went to the rescue of a colleague who was entangled with a high–voltage electric cable. As a result Colin’s right leg was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated above the knee. Read more about Colin here »
Paul Burns
Born in 1961, Paul was 16 years old when he joined The Parachute Regiment as a junior soldier. After training he was posted to 2 PARA in Berlin, before moving with them to Northern Ireland in 1979. In August that year, the vehicle in which he was travelling was blown up by a roadside bomb planted by the IRA at Warren Point; Paul was one of two survivors, the other six crew members dying in the blast. Read more about Paul here »
Danny Holmes
Danny Holmes served in the Life Guards from 1983 – 1994, having being born and brought up in London. His service was largely spent in Windsor and North Germany, but he also served in the first Gulf War from 1990–91 with 7 Armoured Brigade (The Desert Rats). Read more about Danny here »
Francis Atkinson
Born in 1981, Francis Atkinson joined the army as a doctor on completing his degree in medicine at University College London. Currently a member of 16 Medical Regiment, Royal Army Medical Corps, Francis was posted to Afghanistan in 2010 to provide medical cover in a Forward Operating Base.
Mick Foulds
Mick was born in 1952 in London. He joined the Territorial Army in 1976 serving with the Royal Corps of Transport and subsequently the Royal Engineers until 1983 in the United Kingdom, Germany, Cyprus and Denmark, attaining the rank of Corporal.
John Sandford-Hart
John Davies – Ambulance Support Driver
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