Armed forces and civilians come together for 3,000 mile charity rally

Armed Forces personnel set off with members of the public on a monumental driving adventure in memory of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
From left,  Naval Secretary Rear Admiral Williams, Warrant Officer Shaw, former England rugby player Rory Underwood, Lieutenant Commander Shaw, The Chaplain of the Fleet, and former Royal Navy Weapons Engineer Phil HowellFrom left,  Naval Secretary Rear Admiral Williams, Warrant Officer Shaw, former England rugby player Rory Underwood, Lieutenant Commander Shaw, The Chaplain of the Fleet, and former Royal Navy Weapons Engineer Phil Howell
From left, Naval Secretary Rear Admiral Williams, Warrant Officer Shaw, former England rugby player Rory Underwood, Lieutenant Commander Shaw, The Chaplain of the Fleet, and former Royal Navy Weapons Engineer Phil Howell

The Rally for Heroes started at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard yesterday, and will conclude in Le Mans in eight days, via some of Europe’s most breathtaking destinations.

120 participants from all walks of life are driving in aid of forces charity SSAFA, which offers support to serving and retired servicemen and women, as well as bereaved families of those killed in the field.

The 3,000 mile adventure was started at HMS Victory by Ex-RAF pilot and England rugby veteran Rory Underwood and Rear Admiral Simon Williams.