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Well 2020 was particularly difficult for us all, but it has perhaps impacted our veterans more than most, depriving them of the opportunity to return to Normandy. SONT continues to provide exceptional support to the wonderful band of men and women who gave so much to secure our freedom, not least because so many of their friends and family members remain in Europe.

So I’m aiming to beat my target from 2019 (£1944) 4 times over ((£1944 x 4ever grateful = £7776)) and I know I can do this with your help, support, and generosity. Perhaps you might forego a pint, a coffee, or some fuel savings: perhaps some pennies from behind the sofa. I’m delighted that once again Tim and Mike have agreed to join me.

I’m determined to make this a different event than 2019 and so it is.  We’re running the distance from Pegasus Bridge to the beach front and up to Utah - 44 miles. (Covid means an adapted route but one even more challenging).

There will be a DDay commemorative event as well as my Remembrance Sunday Stop Line event: so it’s a BOGOF deal at its best. Look out for my love of Pill Boxes being part of this: the Stop Line will continue to be part of my Run of Remembrance.

And here’s a word from SONT:

The significance of D Day and the Battle for Normandy cannot be overstated. The sheer logistical challenge of amassing troops and equipment in readiness for the invasion, keeping it secret during the process, rehearsing beach landings, sowing false stories to distract the enemy from our true intentions and successfully delivering an invasion force to the coast of Normandy in the largest airborne and seaborne operation in history is staggering. The fact that this was fully achieved has been well documented by writers over the years since 6th June 1944.

Ultimately the victory against an evil and oppressive regime was achieved by what is so often referred to in modern times as “boots on the ground”. In the Battle for Normandy 22,442 people under British command alone never returned home. This was the price for freedom and the peace that we have enjoyed in Europe ever since.

When you look at the scale of D Day and the onward fight through Europe it is easy to forget that victory was delivered by ordinary men and women, called upon to undertake an extra-ordinary task, which they carried out with courage and determination.

Here at the Spirit of Normandy Trust we strive to ensure that every one of the individuals involved in D Day and the Battle for Normandy and their dependents, receive the support they need in their advancing years and that their service, which had such a significant impact on world history, is never forgotten.

Richard Palusinski
Chairman – The Spirit of Normandy Trust

Photos and training pics to follow.

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