A group of big-hearted servicemen based at RAF Valley on Anglesey shrugged off storms, fierce winds and lashing rain to undertake an 80-mile fundraising march to Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford.
The ’80 Miles for 80 Years’ expedition was the brainchild of Sqn Ldr Dominic Clarke, whose father Mike, a widower,resides in an independent living apartment at the care village.
Those taking part in the four-day mission at various stages alongside Dominic were Flt Lt Adam Gaskell, Sgt Dom Mahon, Sgt Joe Quigley, Cpl Nige Gurney, Cpl Sam Jones and Cpl Luke McGivern.
The group, from the RAF Valley Force Development Squadron, undertook the march during Remembrance Week to honour World War II veterans and to commemorate 80 years since the conflict ended.
After setting off from their base, their route took them toMenai Bridge, Conwy, Holywell, Chester and Lymm, before finishing at Broughton House.
During the march, they stopped at several war memorials to honour fallen servicemen and women by reciting poems and soldier stories and reflecting on their sacrifices.
Mike Clarke, 91, was joined by other residents and staff to welcome them when they arrived at Broughton House.
The marchers presented the care home with an engraved glass plaque and a print of a Spitfire and Texan T Mk 1 training aircraft, signed by Group Captain Gez Currie, station commander at RAF Valley.
Their efforts have so far raised more than £1,000 for Broughton House and £500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Dominic said: “Some of us marched the whole way, others took part on some days or staffed the support vehicle. It was a real team effort.
“The weather was pretty grim at times with storms, strong winds and lashing rain as we made our way across North Wales and on to Salford.
“Our route through Wales took us along rocky coastal paths, across the famous Menai Straits and through knee-deep waters where rivers had burst their banks following the storms. Into England, we followed the Trans Pennine trail and canal networks, seeing a different side to the region and the big city of Manchester.”
Dominic added: “The reception we received from members of the public wherever we went was heart-warming. People were tooting their horns in support, clapping and donating money.
“With my own father being a resident, and inspired by him and the other veterans at Broughton House, we thought the march would be a fitting tribute to those who have served our country to safeguard our freedoms and democracy.
“We also wanted to raise the profile of RAF Valley as well as Broughton House and the great work they do for veterans. Dad is very happy there.
“When we came into the grounds, dad was there to meet us and we were also greeted by residents and staff. They gave us a big round of applause and were very welcoming. It was a lovely occasion.”
Dominic is the fifth generation on his father’s side to serve in the armed forces.
Mike Clarke enlisted in the RAF in May 1952 at the age of 17 and served until 1974. His career saw him serve in countries including Egypt, Iraq, Germany, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Gibraltar and Malta, as well as on patrol over the North Atlantic, North Sea and the Norwegian Sea.
He rose to Master Air Signaller, the RAF’s highest rank for non-commissioned officers, and ended his career training navigators on the Hawker Siddeley Dominie aircraft at RAF Finningley near Doncaster.
Dominic’s grandfather John Clarke – Mike’s father – was an army captain who served during World War II.
Edward Clarke, who was John’s father and Dominic’s great-grandfather, served in the army during the Boer War and World War I.
Before him Thomas Clarke, who was Dominic’s great-great-grandfather, served in the army during the second half of the 19th century and was awarded the Indian Mutiny Medal.
On Dominic’s maternal side, his grandfather Alan Willingham landed on Sword Beach in Normandy on D-Day while serving as an infantryman with the East Yorkshire Regiment.
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said: “It was our great pleasure to welcome the group to mark the end of their very impressive march to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II.
“Their march represented the long journey to peace and to honour all those who served. The funds they have raised for Broughton House are much appreciated and will be put to good use to make a positive difference to the lives of the veterans we are privileged to care for.
“We were also honoured to receive the signed print and plaque, which now have pride of place on display in our museum.”
