NEWS
Read the latest updates and view archived articles from Walking With The Wounded's 'Walking Home Home For Christmas' December campaign.
Leading by example: Walking Home For Christmas
By Media Team on
Our own Director for Veteran Affairs, Tommy Watson, walked from North Shields to Newcastle on 15th December as part of our annual Walking Home For Christmas campaign.
Tommy exceeded his £2,000 target for this year’s walk, and adds it to the £15,000 he has raised for us in the previous six years!
Through my role and my own experiences, I feel a deep emotional connection to the Armed Forces community.
During his walk, Tommy passed checkpoints at North Shields War Memorial, Wallsend War Memorial and Jesmond War Memorial, paying respect to his fellow veterans. Participating in the fundraising campaign for his 7th year, the walk has become an annual tradition for Tommy, reflecting his values and commitment to making a lasting impact for veterans and their families.
Further commenting on his motivations behind the walk, Tommy said: “As Director for Veteran Affairs, I see firsthand the challenges veterans face. Supporting Walking With The Wounded is my way of honouring their sacrifices and helping bridge the gap between military service and civilian life. Through my role and my own experiences, I feel a deep emotional connection to the Armed Forces community. This campaign gives me a meaningful way to give back to those who gave so much. Every campaign, every mile walked and every pound raised contributes to real change — whether it’s mental health support, employment opportunities or social stability for those who served. I believe leadership is shown through action, so by taking part each year I hope to inspire colleagues, partners and the wider community to stand with our veterans and make a difference.”
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Celebrations as Long Way Home reaches the culmination of its 18-day challenge, walking 700km from central London to central Newcastle, pulling the pulk the whole way. The pulk is deeply embedded in our history and heritage and accompanied a group of wounded veterans, joined by Prince Harry, in 2011 as they undertook the first expedition of its kind to the North Pole.
Long Way Home leader and Head of Events and Partnerships at WWTW, James Davis said: “That expedition proved that the sky was the limit for those wounded in the service of their country and showed the world what veterans can do. If you tell a veteran they can’t do something they will promptly go out and do it! From that expedition Walking With The Wounded was born and a key...
Halewood Battalion Cadets take on 60km Lake District challenge for veterans
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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
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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...