Two Western Front Association members and leading North East businessmen are putting on their walking boots and exploring the past to raise much needed funds for ex-servicemen with the launch of a new nationwide charity Veteran's Retreat.
Andrew Charlton and Paul Stephenson are setting themselves the task of going back in time to walk the Western Front in France and Belgium.
They're undertaking a 120km walk from Ypres to Albert which will trace the steps and visit many of the places seen by the soldiers of the Tyneside Scottish. They are also visiting allied war memorials and key historical sites along the Somme Battlefield.
Andrew's great grandfather served in the Tyneside Scottish during the First World War and survived both the Battle of the Somme and the British offensive at Arras in 1917. His great uncle was one of the Tyneside Scottish's founders and later became their Honorary Colonel. Paul volunteered to help Andrew by making a documentary film about the walk which will be made available to schools across the UK. The pair have teamed up with The Western Front Association to help in the research for the production of the educational video.
Paul was surprised when he looked into his family tree to discover that his great grandfather's brother also served in the Tyneside Scottish, but sadly never returned. Paul is unaware of where his forefather is buried so, out of respect, the pair will also visit the grave of the Unknown Soldier.
Andrew and Paul have already raised thousands in sponsorship and help from companies. They are currently looking for continue to raise sponsorship for Veterans Retreat, a not for profit charitable organisation that aims to provide permanent homes, rehabilitation, treatment and support to veterans across the UK.
"We're doing this for three reasons," said Andrew. "Firstly to raise much needed funds for Veteran's Retreat, secondly to pass on our experiences to today's school children so that they too can learn from the horror of the First World War and, thirdly, to thank my great-grandad and the thousands of other ordinary people who fought in the Great War."
The team's efforts have earned substantial media attention and the support of historian, archaeologist and BBC Coast presenter Neil Oliver who himself has a keen interest in the Great War. "I am delighted to support and encourage Andrew and Paul in their "Walking the Front" event in May. It's fantastic to see an event that raises awareness of the horrors of the First World War, supports today's veterans and is a personal pilgrimage for the lads doing the walk," he said.
Andrew and Paul will start their walk on 3 May 2012 and aim to finish on 8 May. Their website is www.walkingthefront.com.
Photo - Andrew (left) and Paul visit a War Memorial
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