Hello, and thank you for visiting my just giving page.

There are times in your life, when, something or someone catches your attention to the extent that it makes you sit up and say I would like to be part of that. This opportunity to take part in this Commemorative 3 day Walk through France and Belgium over 100km, which brings together the past and the present over 100 years of our history ,was one such moment for me.

This event will serve two specific purposes, honouring and remembering the thousands who rallied to the Colours in 1914 and throughout the Great War, but also to raise donations to provide support for the current generation of serving and surviving Soldiers, their families and relatives.

I am walking in honour and memory of my Grandfather, Corporal Albert Howard 356445 who  as a native of Crosby, Liverpool, volunteered to serve during the 1914-1918  conflict in his local Regiment, the Kings Liverpool and in particular the 10th Battalion Liverpool Scottish. For a period between July and September 1916, he along with over 60 other soldiers were attached to the 9th Kings Liverpool during the Regiments continued attack of the village of Guillemont, France. His two brothers Jack also served with the Kings Liverpool, 7th Battalion and Jim who served with the Field Artillery. They were all to see action in both France on the Somme and also the Ypres Salient.

Our family was fortunate that all three brothers were to return home.  My cousin also had three Great Uncles serve in the Kings Liverpool Regiment and in particular the 10th Liverpool Scottish, sadly they were to make the ultimate sacrifice. I will therefore as I walk be remembering their many friends  and comrades from not only the Kings Liverpool Regiment, but all the other Regiments, who made the ultimate sacrifice and who are remembered in the numerous  Cemeteries and Memorials in France and Flanders. 

Whilst my Grandfather received no gallantry medals or mention in dispatches, non the less, through the pages of his personal diary kept whilst on active service, he has left a short insight into the horrors, humour and comradeship he and many other thousands endured and witnessed in the War that was supposed to end all Wars. He will always remain a hero to me.

My involvement in this unique challenge will therefore literally follow my Grandfathers footsteps taking place in October this year, and will, along with others representing the 220 Regiments that existed at the start of the War, walk from the Lochnagar Crater on the Somme and ending in Ypres at the Menin Gate memorial to the 54,896 Commonwealth soldiers who have no known grave. We will be visiting both Commonwealth, French and German memorials and cemeteries over the course of the three days.

Whilst this walk commemorates the 100 year anniversary of the 1914-18 conflict I will not be forgetting the contribution that the ABF The Soldiers Charity continues to make to our serving soldiers, veterans and their families. My wife and I have a serving daughter in the Army and are aware of the continuing need of the work of The Soldiers Charity

The Charity provides support to thousands of individuals. Here are just a few examples of the work that is done:                                                                     Harry aged 5months - his father is a serving soldier in the British Army. Harry suffers from brachycephaly also known as flat head syndrome. The condition can be rectified by the use of cranial helmet. The Charity provided the family with a grant to cover the cost of this expensive piece of equipment                                           

Gary, aged 33 - he lost both legs and his left arm to an IED whilst on his second tour of Afghanistan with the Scots Guards. To help him, his wife and their three children cope with his injuries, the Charity paid for temporary accommodation whilst their house was being adapted. The Charity also funded a home gym so Gary could continue his rehabilitation at home.                 

Ruth, aged 105 - Ruth's husband was killed serving with the Royal Engineers during WW2. Seventy years later she was unable to afford the cost of her care home fees. The Charities funding allowed Ruth to stay in her care home

These are just some of the many examples of what YOUR personal donation would enable The Soldiers Charity to provide who now need our support.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to visit and read my page and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.