Charity Battlefield Walk

Later this year we will be welcoming back to No.fifty6, Terry Whenham who has had a long-standing interest in The Great War.

Terry is taking part in a sponsored event in October and we are pleased to support him by posting the details in our news bulletin.

Terry writes:

“As you are aware, 2014 is the Centenary of the start of the First World War and I had been considering for some time how I could become involved in marking this important event whilst supporting a good cause.

I have decided to take part in a 75 mile sponsored walk over just 3 days along the British sector of the old Western Front between Albert  and Ypres. The walk will arrive in Ypres on the 100 year anniversary of the start of the 1st Battle of Ypres, 19^th October 2014.

The walk will be dedicated to my Great Uncle Henry who was killed during the Battle of the Somme aged just 20. The start of the walk is very close to where Henry was mortally wounded. I will also be remembering my Grandfather Arthur and we will be passing the spot where he carried out his brave action for which he was awarded the DCM for gallantry in May 1915.

My chosen charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity http://www.soldierscharity.org/

The ABF Soldiers’ Charity is for soldiers, for life. They provide financial assistance to all soldiers and their families when in need. Even when a soldier leaves the Army they are still part of the family and eligible for help. The scope of their work is huge. Half of the money is given direct to individuals to help in areas such as debt relief, mobility assistance, education bursaries, care home fees and respite breaks. The other half is given as grants to many other charities.

75 miles over 3 days (25 miles per day)! It has now dawned on me the scope of the challenge that I have agreed to. Much further than the usual 5 mile stroll that I am used to! However, the cause is a great one and this thought will motivate me during the difficult moments that will no doubt occur.

So I am therefore seeking sponsorship and, if you wish, you can support my cause using this website:

 http://www.justgiving.com/TerryWhenham

Any donation, regardless of amount, is much appreciated. My target is £2,000.

In return, I am offering potential sponsors the chance to find out about their relatives who may have served in the British Forces during World War 1. I have access to the National Archives, www.ancestry.co.uk and a library of World War 1 books and I would be delighted to help you discover your story which may have gone buried in the family archives for 100 years. If you would like me to investigate, please just let me know whatever information you have and I will start the research!”

Many thanks

Terry Whenham

Northampton,

Tel: 01604 637847 or 07798 710722

E Mail: [email protected]