The Soldiers’ Charity is fortunate to have supporters all over the UK and further afield. And our newest event, The Virtual Frontline Walk, gives everyone – from Chesterfield to Canada and from Fulham to Fiji – the chance to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War while supporting soldiers, veterans and their families.
The event asks people to walk a 100km route of their choosing between 1 October and 11 November. Jason Laverock is one of the supporters taking part in New Zealand this year and is hoping to tick off his kilometres by walking to and from the school where he is a Deputy Principle in Wellington. He will also walk to Wellington’s Ataturk Memorial which is designed to replicate the memorial at ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli, a place which he says is sacred to New Zealanders and Australians.
Jason, originally from London, always wanted to join the Army and, in 1987, won a provisional scholarship to Sandhurst. Unfortunately, due to an unforeseen medical problem, his dream of becoming an officer, in what was then The Queen’s Regiment, came to an end before his scholarship started.
Despite his setback, Jason has always kept an interest in the Army and the ideals and principles that the Army espouses, upholds and promotes. The Sandhurst motto, ‘Serve to Lead’ has been his leadership mantra throughout his teaching career.
Jason adds: “The work undertaken by charities that support veterans has always resonated with me and I hope to be able to raise some much-needed funds.”
We’re delighted that people from many countries, including Canada and Denmark as well as New Zealand, have signed up to the Virtual Frontline Walk to honour the memories of those who gave so much in WWI. Huge thanks to Jason and all the others who have signed up so far.
To participate (go on, the registration fee is only £10!) or for more information, please visit the website.