MP Owen Paterson's trek brings a boost to Tern Hill battalion
More than £50,000 has been handed out by Environment Secretary MP Owen Paterson and his wife Rose after his epic journey across Mongolia.
The North Shropshire MP visited the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton yesterday to present a cheque for £53,100.
It will go towards the Royal Irish Regiment Benevolent Fund which provides assistance to serving and former members of the regiment and their families. The cheque was presented to the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ivor Gardiner, at Buntingsdale Community Centre.
The couple raised the money during a 1,000km ride across the wilderness of the Mongolian steppe last year.
The cheque was received on behalf of the benevolent fund by the regiment currently undergoing pre-deployment training for a fourth deployment to Afghanistan.
It was presented prior to the battalion's family Christmas carols and Christingle service at Tern Hill.
Lieutenant Colonel Gardiner said Mr Paterson has been a great supporter of the battalion and the armed forces as a whole and was very grateful for the donation.
Mr and Mrs Paterson will also donate £53,100 to the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries in a separate event on Christmas Eve.
