The military charity Walking With The Wounded has successfully completed a 700-kilometre trek across the UK, culminating at the Fusilier Memorial near Newcastle Civic Centre. This ambitious challenge, which took place over 18 days, included current and former armed forces personnel, along with family and supporters, who dragged a sled, or “pulk,” previously taken to the North Pole with Prince Harry.
Details of the Trek
The trek began on December 5, 2023, at the Cenotaph in London. Participants followed a triangular route, passing through the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Manchester, and Yorkshire before reaching Newcastle. James Davis, the charity’s head of events and partnerships, described the experience as a blur, stating, “We completed pretty much a marathon distance each day.”
On the final leg from Chester-le-Street to Newcastle, Davis noted the diverse team composition, which included veterans, current service members, and family supporters. He explained the significance of the sled, indicating that it symbolizes the emotional and physical burdens carried by wounded veterans. Davis remarked, “We thought the next best thing would be to do this,” referring to the financial constraints of returning to the North Pole.
Community Engagement and Support
The initiative also featured contributions from veterans along the route and involved Nichola Tidd, a former military interrogator and ambassador for Walking Home For Christmas. Tidd expressed her enthusiasm for participating with her daughter, Elodie, stating, “I wanted to give something back and I’m delighted that myself and my daughter can be part of Walking Home For Christmas this year.”
The trek was part of the charity’s broader campaigns, including Walking Home For Christmas and Long Way Home, aimed at supporting those who have served in the armed forces. These campaigns focus on mental health, employment, and comprehensive care for veterans.
As the team reached the war memorial on Monday evening, they laid a commemorative wreath, marking the end of a journey that not only tested their physical endurance but also served to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans. The event highlighted the ongoing mission of Walking With The Wounded to provide essential support to those who have served the country.
For further information about the Walking Home For Christmas initiative, individuals can visit the charity’s official website.
