Newsletters
The Mark Wright Project: Newsletter Issue 4, August 2009
Mark Wright House opens at Erskine Edinburgh
Mark Wright House, the first Army Recovery Unit, was opened on Monday, 17th August, 2009, at the Erskine Home, Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh. This MOD facility was supported by the Help for Heroes charity and named in honour of Corporal Mark Wright GC. Some Directors of The Mark Wright Project were invited to the unveiling of the new unit and they were extremely honoured to be in attendance.
Mark Wright House is the first of what may be a series of Army Recovery Units for our serving soldiers. This MOD recovery unit, although named in honour of Mark is not affiliated in any way with The Mark Wright Project Charity which aims to support the veterans community via the development of a specialised Drop-in Centre.
The Mark Wright House, Army Recovery Unit, opening ceremony took place in rather damp and wet conditions but the weather did not spoil what was a momentous occasion. The platform party comprised Mark’s parents, Bob and Jem, Under Secretary for State for Defence Kevan Jones, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Richard Dannatt, Major General Andrew Mackay, CEO of Erskine Major Jim Panton and the Chief Executive of Help for Heroes Bryn Parry accompanied by his wife Emma. After the opening speeches which were widely covered by the media, the unveiling of the sign highlighting Mark Wright House was fittingly carried out by one of the first patients, Lance Corporal Robert Reid of 1 SCOTS.
After the Opening Ceremony, Bob and Jem together with Mark’s Grandparents, Joe and May Reid, Harry and Cathy Pearson and Nancy Campbell were given a conducted tour of the state of the art facility by James Scott, Chairman of the Erskine board. In the entrance hall in a prominent position a framed display hangs containing a biography of Mark with some photographs from his early life and army career. The Bedrooms, Clinical, Office, Dining and Recreational facilities are second to none and the visitor cannot fail to be impressed.
Before the morning was through, Bob and Jem were subject to mass media attention and they handled this with great patience and dignity on what was for them, particularly, a very emotional occasion. They also expressed the view that they thought Mark would have approved that his name be associated with a unit helping fellow soldiers back to fitness and good health.
A high standard has been set as a benchmark for the aspirations and aims of The Mark Wright Project.
PART 2 Newsletter Issue 4 Click here
newsletters