Two Help for Heroes volunteers are setting off on a challenge of a lifetime; walking from London to Ypres in a bid to raise funds for the military charity. It will be made all the more poignant by arriving in Ypres on Remembrance Sunday.
Barry Pyle, aged 72, from Harlow in Essex, devised the fundraising challenge which will see them walk 155 miles in 2 weeks:
“I really enjoy walking and have a keen interest in both World Wars, so what better way to combine all my hobbies in this one challenge!”
“I like to think that we will be following in the footsteps of our soldiers who travelled to the front lines. We’ll also be visiting some of the cemeteries where those soldiers who gave the greatest sacrifice lie. Including the grave of Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse; the namesake of one of four Help for Heroes Recovery Centres”.
He will be walking alongside fellow volunteer and ex-Serviceman Bob Grove, 63, from Hatfield Heath in Hertfordshire. Bob, who was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress 7 years ago, is now a mentor at Help for Heroes; he is currently working with 3 veterans to inspire, empower and guide them to achieve their own personal and career ambitions. Bob is passionate about supporting the Charity which helped him:
“Every penny raised goes to those who need our help. With 7 people a day being medically discharged from the military that need is increasing. Funds raised will enable Help for Heroes to continue supporting those with wounds both physical and hidden”. By working alongside a fundraising template, the event has large goals to meet and big hopes for the future of the charity.
The duo will set off on Monday 29th October from the Freemasons Hall in London and will pass well-known sights such as the Cutty Sark Museum. They will follow the Pilgrims Way and the North Downs way to Dover. Leaving the beaches of Calais they will finish their journey at the Menin Gate in Ypres at 11am on Sunday 11th November to the sound of The Last Post. They are being supported by a group of family and friends to help with logistics.
You can sponsor the duo here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barry-pyle1
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robert-grove
