NEWS
Read the latest updates and view archived articles from Walking With The Wounded's 'Walking Home Home For Christmas' December campaign.
Festive fundraising with a medieval twist
By Media Team on
On December 10th a team of Medieval Battle Reenactors will embark on a quest to cover an 8-kilometre route through the heart of Ipswich from Gainsborough Sports Centre to Christchurch Park, wearing their suits of armour, each suit weighs 35kg (equivalent to 3-4 stone). Their noble quest is in support of Walking With The Wounded’s ‘Walking Home For Christmas’ challenge.
Dale Eades, an armed forces veteran, will lead the group as they take on the challenge.
Commenting on the task ahead, Dale said, “As a veteran myself, I am all too aware of how skilfully Armed Services Personnel can hide the struggles that face them, forever “Soldiering On” as they have been trained to By undertaking this challenge and donning a suit of armour, I aim to symbolise the mental health difficulties that many people struggle with. Each piece of steel plate represents a mental burden to carry, eventually the weight of it all will defeat us and even the simplest tasks become a challenge (like walking). To get to the finish line, I will need support from those around me. I am looking forward to taking on Walking Home For Christmas with my fellow knights by my side.”
You may also like
Halewood Battalion Cadets take on 60km Lake District challenge for veterans
By Media Team on
Cadets from the Halewood Battalion laced up their boots and headed for the Lake District as they completed a demanding 60km walk in support of Walking Home For Christmas.
Now in their third consecutive year of taking part, the group of eight cadets travelled to the fells with a clear goal: to push themselves beyond their comfort zones whilst raising vital funds for veterans and their families during the winter months.
The challenge was not without its obstacles. Battling poor weather conditions on the summit of the Old Man of Coniston on the first day, the cadets showed determination and teamwork as they pressed on.
One of the group, Thomas Harper, reflected on why the challenge means so much to them: “Many of us have family members who...
RAF veteran completes 48km pulk pull in support of fellow veterans
By Media Team on
RAF veteran Derek Heron has completed an impressive 48km walk in support of Walking Home For Christmas, taking on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for fellow veterans.
Having served for 22 years in the RAF, Derek joined the Walking With The Wounded team on 18 December for our Long Way Home challenge, where he pulled our historic pulk. The demanding challenge tested both physical endurance and mental resilience – but Derek was more than ready to rise to it.
Derek was inspired to get involved after taking part in WWTW’s Cumbrian Challenge earlier this summer. Motivated by our mission and the stories of veterans we support, he was keen to step up once again and give back.
Reflecting on the challenge, Derek said: “After a 22-year...
Oldest tank regiment in the world marches 108km in 24 hours for veterans
By Media Team on
Members of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) proved that grit, determination and teamwork are as strong as ever as they completed a gruelling 24-hour walk in support of our Walking Home For Christmas campaign.
Setting off on 9 December from their Regimental Headquarters in Tidworth, the soldiers pushed themselves to the limit, covering an incredibly 108km on foot. Their destination was Bovington – the regiment’s home and proudly known as its “spiritual home” – but the journey was anything but easy.
Battling relentless rain, strong winds and physical exhaustion, the team refused to let the harsh conditions slow them down. Morale stayed high throughout the night as they dug deep, supported one another and kept their purpose firmly in sight:...