The son of a Royal Marine Commando is chalking up the miles to raise money for Broughton House, where his father lived for the last three years of his life.
Brian Simms, aged 71, who lives in Blackburn, is aiming to complete 850 miles in ‘George’s Walk’ to raise funds for Broughton House before his 72nd birthday in August.
The distance for the retired English and Drama teacher is from Land’s End to John O’Groats in Blackburn and he has completed 570 of the miles so far.
Brian said: “I’ve decided to do this in George’s memory – he loved walking – and as a demonstration of our family’s appreciation for the fantastic care he received at Broughton House. The staff there are fantastic and the residents are lovely.
“My father was very happy and content there. He was taken fishing, went to church, tended the allotments and even enjoyed a visit to Buckingham Palace.”
Laura Carr, Community and events fundraiser at Broughton House, said: “George’s Walk is a great way to honour our beloved resident, D-Day veteran and former Royal Marine Commando George Simms.
“Having known George, I think he would have been thrilled at this effort and very proud to have so many people backing this.”
George moved into Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford in 2017, two years after his wife of over 70 years, Connie, passed away.
The father-of-three passed away in January this year at the age of 97. He left three sons – Allan, Brian, and Ken – along with nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
George fought in the D-Day landings and was part of the 41 Royal Marine Commando. He was injured in a German air attack at Sword Beach during the Normandy Landings on D-Day – June 6, 1945 – and was evacuated to hospital back in England, where he made a good recovery.
Donations in support of Brian’s marathon mission can be made via his fundraiser.
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