Sutton Courtenay's 'Mr Legion' jumps at new role (From Herald Series)

Sutton Courtenay's 'Mr Legion' jumps at new role

10:20am Sunday 7th February 2010

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WHEN Oxfordshire Royal British Legion manager Craig Treeby retires this month after 11 years, he could be forgiven for taking it easy.

But the 65-year-old will instead spearhead a military charity, The Afghan Trust, aimed at helping members of the Parachute Regiment.

Former army officer Mr Treeby, who lives with wife Jan in Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon, said he felt “exceedingly sad, but very excited” about his career change on February 19.

He said: “I really do have very mixed emotions. The past eleven years have been the most exciting and challenging of my life.

“But I am also very excited about my new role. It is a great opportunity.”

During Mr Treeby time at the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Royal British Legion, it has raised more than £4m and helped 5,000 people.

He said: “The Legion is more relevant than ever, due to the conflicts of recent years.

“The generosity of the people of Oxfordshire has always been astounding. They really never stop giving.”

Mr Treeby spent his entire career in the military, joining the Parachute Brigade in 1963. He travelled across the globe while on service, including stints in Western Europe and the Middle East.

The Afghan Trust was set up for members of 3rd Para after they suffered heavy losses in 2006. Last December, it was decided the charity would help the entire Parachute Regiment.

Mr Treeby said: “3rd Para suffered terrible losses and were involved in conflict every day of their tour. People never expected it to be like that.

“The trust will help the soldiers and their families in a whole manner of ways, from accommodation issues to mobility devices.”

The legion’s welfare officer for Oxfordshire, Eve Smith, paid tribute to Mr Treeby.

She said:” Craig has been a fantastic boss to us. He is very supportive and extremely knowlegable, and we are going to miss him very much.

“He has really moved the charity on.”

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