NEWS
Read the latest updates and view archived articles from Walking With The Wounded's 'Walking Home Home For Christmas' December campaign.
Veterans unite once again in Portsmouth to support those still serving
By Media Team on
For the second consecutive year, a group of Royal Navy veterans came together to quite literally walk home for Christmas. United by shared service, enduring friendship and a common purpose: to raise vital funds for those who continue to struggle long after their service has ended.
Sixteen former sailors (and another joining under the stars in Australia) stepped off from the Royal Maritime Club and began a 12-mile journey that would take them past the Dockyard, HMS Nelson, through Tipner and Hilsea, returning via Casemates, along the Coast Road and on to the People’s Monument.
But, what unfolded was far more than a walk. It was a shared act of remembrance, reconnection and support. What makes this group remarkable is not only their commitment, but their history. Between them, the walkers have been friends for more than 40 years, having served on many of the Royal Navy’s most iconic ships, including HMS Invincible, Hermes, Illustrious, Intrepid and Fearless, alongside those who served aboard the Royal Yacht.
While the walk was filled with the banter and camaraderie of youth revisited, conversations also reflected on where service took them — across oceans, conflicts and decades. For several of the group service included the Falklands conflict in 1982 and they walked in memory of those who did not return, and for those who came home profoundly changed. A particularly poignant moment was shared by a veteran who still struggles now, 43 years on from that campaign; a reminder of the enduring cost of conflict.
The walk also served as a reflection on the importance of continued support. Things have improved, but this walk was a way to ensure that those who served, either recently, or some time ago, receive the care and assistance they deserve.
The group continues to turn shared history into tangible impact, raising close to £13,000 over the past two years. One walker said: “We can only thank our families and the extended friendships around us for their kindness and support. To those who walked with us, and to those across the country who supported in their own way, we simply could not do this without you.”
As the group looks ahead, the message is clear: service does not end when the uniform comes off. By standing together, walking together and giving together they continue to support those who once served and who are now navigating their own battles.
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Footsore, exhausted but ecstatic: 700km challenge finishes in Newcastle
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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
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...