AGC MAJOR SUPPORTED BY RLC IN CHARITY FUNDRAISER

RLC soldiers supported Major Christopher Brannigan on his 700-mile journey from Land’s End to Edinburgh, raising money for his daughter Hasti.

The Army Officer and father-of-three, who serves in the Adjutant General’s Corps, is walking the extensive distance carrying 25kg of kit and completely barefoot. He aims to raise money for his eight-year old daughter who suffers from a rare genetic condition – Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) – which currently has no treatment or cure.

“I am doing this challenge to raise the funds needed to create a gene therapy treatment to change Hasti’s fate and to give her the future she deserves,” said Major Brannigan.

Major Brannigan began his gruelling challenge on 6 July 20 and on Friday 17 July, six personnel from RHQ The RLC joined him on his journey in order to support the cause. The RLC soldiers, who in their day-jobs work within the Corps Engagement and Nurture Teams, walked alongside the AGC Officer for 13.5 miles from Bulford to Andover (Army HQ).

Despite the sweltering weather, the soldiers believed it was of utmost importance to support the cause and help to encourage Major Brannigan to complete his goal. This support was reinforced by soldiers from the Corps of Drums of the RLC who also walked on the day.

Lance Corporal Gorsuch-Wright from the RLC Corps Engagement Team said, “Having the chance to meet and walk with Chris was a great opportunity for myself and the team. Helping him to raise money for this fantastic charity and showing support to the Forces’ Community made me feel proud. Hopefully our efforts on the day raised his morale and kept him going.”

With his daughter having been diagnosed with the debilitating disease in 2018, Major Brannigan decided in March 20 that he would set up a charity, ‘CdLS Hope for Hasti’ with the aim of raising the £400,000 needed to fund the research and development of a ground-breaking gene therapy treatment for those suffering with the condition.

Major Brannigan explained, “I know it’s madness and, if I’m honest, I’m terrified of failing. Every painful step barefoot and every donation, no matter how small, hopefully means we are a step closer to funding research into treatments.”

Major Brannigan is also launching a petition asking the Government to review its framework ‘The UK Strategy for Rare Diseases’ in the hope that it will encourage investment in research, earlier diagnosis and cutting-edge treatments.