Everyone knows about WAGs the ever-so-classy wives and girlfriends of our overpaid sports stars but the WAGAMADs are a relatively new phenomenon who are virtually unknown outside the tight-knit community of Arbroath-based 45 Commando Group.
That is about to change as the WAGAMADs the wives and girlfriends and mums and dads of serving Royal Marines at RM Condor prepare to raise vital funds for the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund by staging a mass ascent of Scotland’s highest mountain.
The 25-strong party will be led by Tracy Gibson the mother of a serving Royal Marine Commando and wife of a former marine and their trek commemorates the sacrifice made by her son Andy’s best friend, who died serving in Afghanistan in 2008.
Tracy said, “My nephew is now also a bootneck and my lad’s best mate from school, too, all serving with the mighty 45 Commando. After completing three months active service in Iraq in 2007, and aged just 18, Andy was sent to fight on the front line in Afghanistan with 45 Commando in October 2008.
“The lads completed a gruelling yet successful six months fighting the Taliban and they left Helmand province a much safer place than when they arrived.
“They paid a high price, losing 12 comrades in their hard fight. Many lads also sustained terrible injuries, some losing limbs.
“My son’s best mate, Lance Corporal Jamie Fellows, was one of the 12 heroes who did not return. We all miss him deeply and will never forget his ultimate sacrifice.
“He was a very special lad and was very much part of my family he was the brother my son never had and he touched and brightened the lives of everyone who ever met him.
“One day, while chatting with another marine mum, I decided to climb Ben Nevis though I’ve never done any hillwalking before, have a fear of heights and hurt my back three years ago.
“I think I might have lost the plot but there never was a better motivation than doing something in memory of Jamie and the other heroes of 45 Commando who never made it home.
“I aim to raise as much as possible for the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund and, since devising my crazy plan, I’ve gathered 25 to join me on August 14.
“I’m thrilled that some serving Royal Marines from 45 Commando are joining us-it will be an amazing boost for all us novices.
“I’m also very honoured and humbled that the family of Marine Gary Wright, killed in October 2006 in Afghanistan, will be joining us on the climb.
“Jamie’s ashes were spread by his closest ‘oppos’ the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, only 10 miles from Ben Nevis, where we have placed a plaque in the garden of remembrance.
“On a clear day, when you read his plaque, you have a direct view of Ben Nevis, as if it’s watching over the site and that is why this climb is so significant to all of us.”
Tracy aims to raise £500 for the fund with anything over that going to the netball team TNT, of which she is a member.
Anyone wishing to help can visit Tracy’s charity page by clicking here and following the on-screen instructions.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user selkovjr.