Saturday’s game against Moseley will be attended by Ben Parkinson and the John Fairley Charity.

A bucket collection will be taking place before the game and a presentation with Ben and John will take place at halt time. Fairley is a member at London Scottish and a former Army officer who is 

On 12th September 2006, whilst on a patrol in Afghanistan, Ben was top cover when his Land Rover detonated an anti-tank mine. Ben sustained horrific injuries and his life was saved that day by his colleagues Sergeant Rudy Fuller, Lance Bombardier Danny Byrne and Lance Corporal Matty Oliver. Ben is still the most severely injured soldier ever to survive.

In the incident Ben suffered the loss of both of his legs, severe brain injuries and a broken spine. Ben has undergone extensive treatment for these injuries at the Royal College of Defence Medicine, Selly Oak; The Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability, Putney and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court.

He has made a remarkable recovery through his own incredible determination, the heroic support of his parents, the above agencies and the two charities we are raising money for on the Sydney Hobart Race.

John Fairley, who is ex 7 Para, has decided to do a Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, which starts on Boxing Day from Sydney Harbour, to raise funds for 2 charities which have been very supportive of both Ben and his parents: Help For Heroes and Pilgrim Bandits (a Special Forces Charity).

John has already raised £12,000 for Help for Heroes in a Transatlantic Yacht race 3 years ago, using Ben as his talisman. He will be crewing on a Volvo 60 Ocean Racing yacht called MERIT used for round the World Racing. It is a highly technical but very fast yacht that can achieve speeds of up to about 28knots.