Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman from 3rd Battalion The Rifles was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 9 August 2012. During his deployment as a Platoon Commander he was involved in mentoring the Afghan National Police. Andrew was popular, utterly professional, dependable and naturally gifted. Through his inspiring leadership he had earned the respect of his fellow Riflemen on operations under the toughest of circumstances. The swiftest and boldest of Riflemen, he will never be forgotten.

In memory of Andrew, a team of over 50 runners, including his sisters, relatives, friends, fellow officers and riflemen are participating in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, May 2013.

We're each taking part in one of the races over the weekend – be it the 10km, half marathon or full 26.2 miles. The Edinburgh Marathon is a perfect challenge for us to undertake in Andrew’s memory. A keen runner himself, he completed it in May 2011 (in 3 hours 34 minutes!) and it was the home of his battalion; a city that he very much loved.

Tributes have further emphasized Andrew’s passion for fitness; he was notoriously known for winning cross country races, going on endless runs and hiking expeditions in the mountains and most importantly, encouraging those less fit to fulfill their fitness potential.  

We will be raising money for The Rifles Care for Casualties Appeal. This appeal is ring-fenced within the Rifles Regimental Trust and has been launched specifically in response to the high number of casualties the Regiment suffered on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Since February 2007, The Rifles battalions have been deployed almost continually on operations, the intensity and ferocity of which have cost the lived in excess of 60 Riflemen Killed in Action. Additionally in excess of a further 300 Riflemen have suffered serious injury, over 40 of whom sustaining life changing physical injuries which will require long term assistance. The regiment now has over 30 amputees, 3 of whom are triple amputees and ten others have lost 2 limbs each; two Riflemen have lost their sight completely and two other are in neurological units suffering from brain damage.

Funds raised are spent on a wide range of things: recuperation breaks for the wounded and their carers, help towards house and car adaptations to cover the cost of equipment and alterations not funded by the MoD and retraining and re-skilling courses to help prepare for a meaningful life after injury. Care of Casualties is an appeal through which The Rifles look after the wounded, their families and the families of the bereaved from the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. For more information, please visit www.careforcasualties.org.uk.

We are sure that even in his absence, Andrew would be so proud to see others undergo such an intense physical challenge. Please donate generously. Thank you.