A group of big-hearted servicemen based at RAF Valley in Anglesey raised over £1500 for charities by powering through volatile weather conditions and knee-deep waters as a tribute to the soldiers of World War II.
The group, from the RAF Valley Force Development Squadron, undertook the march during Remembrance Week to commemorate 80 years since the conflict ended.
The ’80 Miles for 80 Years’ expedition was the brainchild of Sqn Ldr Dominic Clarke, whose father, Mike, resides in an independent living apartment at the care village.
During the march, they stopped at several war memorials to honour fallen servicemen and women by reciting poems and sharing stories of soldiers and reflecting on their sacrifices.
Their route took them across Menai Bridge and through Conwy, Holywell, Chester and Lymm, before finishing at Broughton House in Salford.
The marchers presented the care home with an engraved glass plaque and a print of a Spitfire and Texan T Mk 1 training aircraft, signed by Group Captain Gez Currie, station commander at RAF Valley.
Their efforts have so far raised more than £1,000 for Broughton House and £500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Clarke said: “Some of us marched the whole way, others took part on some days or staffed the support vehicle. It was a real team effort.”
He talks about Broughton House and why they chose it as the perfect finishing mark:
“With my own father being a resident, and inspired by him and the other veterans at Broughton House, we thought the march would be a fitting tribute to those who have served our country to safeguard our freedoms and democracy.
“We also wanted to raise the profile of RAF Valley as well as Broughton House and the great work they do for veterans. Dad is very happy there.”
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said: “It was our great pleasure to welcome the group to mark the end of their very impressive march to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II.
“Their march represented the long journey to peace and to honour all those who served,” she said. “The funds they have raised for Broughton House are much appreciated and will be put to good use to make a positive difference to the lives of the veterans we are privileged to care for.”
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