NEWS
Read the latest updates and view archived articles from Walking With The Wounded's 'Walking Home Home For Christmas' December campaign.
Tidworth Royal British Legion Football team taking on 245-mile challenge
By Media Team on
The Tidworth Royal British Legion Football Team is embarking on a 245-mile walking challenge on December 14th and 15th. Their goal is to raise funds for those who have served.
During the event, each team, comprised of serving personnel, veterans, and children of serving soldiers from Wellington Academy in Ludgershall, will undertake continuous laps of a 400-metre circuit over 36 hours. The objective for each team is to complete the symbolic distance of 245 miles, mirroring the journey from Tidworth to Frelinghein, France. The distance holds significant historical significance as it marks the location of the 1914 Christmas Truce football match.
Up to this point, the team has garnered contributions from various sources, including Forest Green Rovers, Williams F1 Team, Aston Martin F1 Team, and Northampton Saints Rugby Club, among others. Wellington Academy is also providing additional support by organising a fundraising day, with all proceeds dedicated to the team's Walking Home For Christmas challenge. Furthermore, Smithy Court Retirement Home, the retirement residence of team member Jay's grandfather, is offering additional fundraising through ticket sales for their New Years Eve party with proceeds being split between Walking With The Wounded and a charity of their choice.
Commenting on the Walking Home For Christmas challenge, team captains Jay Clibery and Shaun Smith said, “We have supported Walking With The Wounded for several years through various charity events. It is a charity close to our hearts. This year we wanted to do something bigger and better than we have ever done before with each team walking 245 miles in 36 hours, no easy feat! If you can support our cause and this amazing charity, please go to the link below. Every little helps.”
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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:...