Knights walking home for Christmas
On December 10th a team of Medieval Battle Reenactors will embark on a quest to cover an 8-kilometre route with Suffolk Swords Re-enactment group, through the heart of Ipswich from Gainsborough Sports Centre to Christchurch Park, wearing their suits of armour, each suit weighs 35kg (equivalent to 3-4 stone). Their noble quest is in support of leading Armed Forces charity, Walking With The Wounded’s ‘Walking Home For Christmas’ challenge. Dale Eades, an armed forces veteran, will lead the group as they take on the challenge.
Commenting on the task ahead, Dale said, “As a veteran myself, I am all too aware of how skilfully Armed Services Personnel can hide the struggles that face them, forever “Soldiering On” as they have been trained to By undertaking this challenge and donning a suit of armour, I aim to symbolise the mental health difficulties that many people struggle with. Each piece of steel plate represents a mental burden to carry, eventually the weight of it all will defeat us and even the simplest tasks become a challenge (like walking). To get to the finish line, I will need support from those around me. I am looking forward to taking on Walking Home For Christmas with my fellow knights by my side.”
Now entering its 10th year, “Walking Home For Christmas” stands as Walking With The Wounded’s annual festive fundraising initiative. Over the past decade, this campaign has collectively raised nearly £2 million to bolster veterans and their families through programs encompassing mental health support, employment opportunities, and care coordination services.
Walking Home For Christmas encourages the public to get out of their comfort zones and embark on a meaningful walk to show their support for Britain’s veterans. The campaign takes place from Saturday, December 9th, to Wednesday, December 20th. This challenge offers an ideal opportunity to beat the winter blues, get out into the fresh air with family, friends and workmates and raise money for a worthwhile cause.
Walkers from previous years have dedicated their walks to loved ones who have been in or have fallen serving our country, have walked to a war memorial, run errands for friends and family or supported their local community.
The campaign invites anyone to register for free, raise a minimum of £5.00 and receive a branded Santa hat and do a sponsored walk home, somewhere important to them anytime between 9th -20th December. Head to www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com to find out more.