I made a new years resolution to try some new things this year and a number of charitable opportunities presented themselves relating to the armed forces and supporting veteran causes that were perfect.
I myself am not a veteran and never served. At most I was an Army cadet with Leigh detachment No. 5 Anzio Coy G.M.A.C.F
However, my supervisor is a veteran (R.A.F). When I mentioned at work that I signed up for March in March my supervisor said that "if I was going to do it I should do it properly". He kindly lent me a set of 68 pattern uniform and 58 pattern webbing, set up in marching order. Which I had to adjust to fit my rather thin self.
Before I had even undertaken the march I had already received a considerable amount generously donated by my work colleagues.
I marched my 10 miles on Saturday the 14/3/26.
On my march I met many generous members of the public who donated money into my little donation pot. Including a Dad and his little lad who made a U turn just to stop and ask what I was doing and who for making my first donation on the march. A number of runners, walkers and cyclists along the route who either stopped for a chat or made a donation.
Thank you to the church congregation of Holy Family and Saint Ambrose Barlow for their generous donations and I can only apologise for 'quick marching' right into their lent walk.
A thank you to those who on my final leg of the journey down the A580 East Lancashire road, whilst it wasn't a donation they gave some encouraging pips on their horns.
A massive thanks to my supervisor Nik who gave up his Saturday to be my support team meeting me at various checkpoints and milestones to supply me with water and Mars bars with an additional thank you for lending me the kit to put me in the boots of those who've served.
