80 Miles for 80 Years

The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD. The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies, landed on D-Day. Casualties from these countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores. Fighting by the brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the allied forces western front, and Russian forces on the eastern front, led to the defeat of German Nazi forces. On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France.

At Wigan Council Depot we annually raise funds for the Royal British Legion that are put to good use in remembrance of sacrifices made in defence of our country.

It has always been an ambition to have a group of veterans now employed by Wigan Council make a joint effort to raise funds as a group for a very worthy cause and 2024 being so significant seems like the right time to get it done. We will remember them but now we focus on today and tomorrow.

Our Objective is to complete a sponsored walk supported by our main sponser (Green Mount Projects) from Wigan Town Hall 41 Library St, Wigan WN1 1DF to National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire. DE13 7AR

This will be conducted over four consecutive days setting off on 06/11/2024 leading up to Remembrance Day where on arrival we will lay a wreath of poppies at the National Memorial that is 80 miles away from our FUP (Forming up point).

There has been a rise of 14% over the last twelve months with ex-service men and women living on the streets and times are getting harder. We need to help them get their lives back on track. Any funds raised will help with shelter, clothing, medication, education etc

Servicemen and women have always been there for their country so now it is time to be there for them in their hour of need.