The Parachute Regiment of the British Army are among the finest airborne soldiers in the world.  All volunteers, they undergo a strenuous physical training regime culminating in "P Company", 10 days of very tough physical tests designed to ensure that soldiers have the right qualities to become paratroopers - physical fitness, toughness, controlled aggession, determination, endurance and perhaps a sense of humour, no matter how tough things get!

Since formation in the early days of WW2, the Paras have been at the forefront of British military deployments worldwide.  They established themselves as an elite force during the Arnhem assault in September 1944.  Today the Regiment provides airborne infantry to 16 Air Assault Brigade and support to special forces through the Special Forces Support Group.  The Regiment has been very much involved in British operations in Helmand Province of Afghanistan, sustaining heavy casualties in counter insurgency operations.

There are several ways which members of the public can support the Regiment, and especially casualties from today's conflicts.  The Help for Heroes charity in the UK is building on the efforts of existing military charities with many fundraising events throughout the UK - www.helpforheroes.org.uk - and through the Paras' own fund raising events, especially the Paras' 10.  I ran in this event last year and this year to raise funds for Airborne Forces Charities.  If you wish to support this, please visit www.justgiving.com/dph1.

The Fitness from the Beginning bookstore provides a selection of books about the Regiment and support for anyone wishing to improve their fitness.

http://astore.amazon.co.uk/fitnesfromthe-21

Profits from "Danger Close" written by the commander of 3 Para, Lt Col Tootal, in Afghanistan will support soldiers' charities.