Hand in the pocket for Toe in the Water

Toe in the Water aims to re-inspire those in the armed forces who have sustained profound and traumatic injuries © Gilles Martin-Raget

Visitors to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week have the opportunity to help support Toe in the Water, the event's official charity partner.

Toe in the Water, the tri service initiative that aims to re-inspire those in the armed forces who have sustained profound and traumatic injuries and often loss of limbs, will be at the event hoping to raise awareness of this extremely valuable organisation.

Since the charity's inception in 2008, almost 200 injured servicemen and women have been through a Toe in the Water rehabilitation programme, with the Cowes Week regatta forming the highlight of the charity's racing calendar each year.

Those who take part, race on equal terms with their able bodied contemporaries usually on a ratio of eight able-bodied to seven injured, in a non-adapted Farr 52 yacht, which was generously donated to the charity in 2012. This boat is competing at the event once again with charity ambassadors and record breaking sailors Brian Thompson and Dee Caffari on board at various points throughout the week.

As well as the on the water activities at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, Toe in the Water has created a social environment that has become extremely popular, particularly the annual Toe in the Water Crew Party. This fund-raising event is open to everyone and takes place on Saturday 3 August at Cowes Yacht Haven. The party will have the usual fantastic musical entertainment on the GILL stage, unique military style tickets following on from last year's highly popular dog tags, and to make the event even more special this year, Toe in the Water is promising to have even more surprises up its sleeves so watch this space! Tickets cost £5 per head and are available from July 1st either toeinthewater.org or by emailing . Tickets will also be on sale at the Marina Office, Cowes Yacht Haven.

Due to its success in previous years, Toe in the Water's dedicated newspaper 'Toetally Cowes' will be back by popular demand, and will contain updates on all Toe in the Water activities taking place throughout. The newspaper is free although donations are welcome and will be available from Friday 2 August at outlets throughout the town.

Toe in the Water relies entirely on donations from private individuals, companies and trusts as well as fundraisers, it also runs a website selling merchandise including wrist bands, bottle openers, t-shirts, and board shorts. Visit toeinthewater.org see the full range, or visit the stand at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

To make a donation, you can simply send a text to 70070 with the TITW08 £ followed by the amount you would like to give. Alternatively you can visit the Just Giving page: justgiving.com/toeinwater. Please Gift Aid your donation as this allows the charity to claim an extra 25 per cent from HM Revenue and Customs, on top of the donation.