A MILITARY charity is asking people to put their best foot forward this Christmas by taking part in a fundraising walk to support wounded ex-Service personnel.
Walking With The Wounded‘s (WWTW) Walking Home for Christmas appeal, which runs from December 8-17, invites participants to gather sponsors then stretch their legs over anything from one to 100 miles to support veterans in need.
WWTW events manager Andy Sloan explained: “We want people to throw on a Santa hat, call up old friends and raise some funds so that we can support these men and women back into work, back into independence and into a place where they can look forward to and enjoy Christmas with their families.
“Too many of our ex-military have little to look forward to this Christmas. They’ve walked in far more dangerous environments for us, so it is the least we can all do to organise a walk for them.”
Proceeds from the walk will help veterans such as Richard, who just four years ago was serving as a trooper in the 13/18th Royal Hussars.
“This time last year I was living in the woods,” he explained. “Thanks to WWTW, this Christmas I am in a job and have a roof over my head.
“I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my godson and his family. I’ll be able to buy them presents, something I never thought possible.”
Signing up to take part in the walk is quick and easy thanks to WWTW’s brand-new website, walkinghomeforchristmas.com
Once enrolled, would-be walkers will receive a charity pack in the post including a branded Santa hat and reflective bag as well as everything needed to plan a walk and get fundraising to support the nation’s wounded ex-Servicemen and women back into independence.
The Walking Home for Christmas campaign is being ably supported by Wolsey, which supplied more than 18 million woollen jerseys, scarves and pieces of underwear to troops during the First World War.