My mum  denise kirby unfortunately passed away at 0135 on the 12th of march due to the effects of covid. She had both her legs amputated a few years ago and therefore wasnt mobile or able to walk  due to the effects of diabeties and also suffered a stroke and also lost mobility of her hands 

I received news from the hospital whilst in my posting at ITC catterick training recruits as a section commander my mum has hours to live and the journey to the hospital praying I made it to be there with her and say goodbye  I will never forget the feeling of hope and determination. 

My mum fought for 48 hours on her death bed and was the bravest beautiful and most courageous woman I have met  or known  

I will be doing a TAB (march) from preston flag market at the war memorial  to ITC Catterick and back in full CEMO (Marching order) wearing my duke of lancasters head dress  in honour of my mum.  It takes 24 hours to get there by foot and my mum fought for 2 days so I will be marching for two days one day to get there and one day to get back to represent the fight she made in them two days .and also to recreate the mental resilience I needed to get to say goodbye to my mum. 

This will take place on friday the 30th april and I hope to complete within 48 hours  however completing it is my main priority along with raising as much as possible for BLESMA with atleast 59 lbs weight (the age of my mum)and aim to complete back in preston on the sunday 2nd may.

On the journey I will be joined by small teams socially distanced  who have volunteered to do legs of the  journey with me and will swap after their leg with another voluntary team . Which is greatly appreciated .

I understand today's current situation and anything would help to a charity that means alot to myself and my mum and also my comrades past serving and still currently serving who may help them if help was needed so atleast sharing and spreading the word would be massivley appreciated .

Thank.you.