A dedicated team of Royal Air Force personnel from RAF Valley on Anglesey has completed an extraordinary 80-mile fundraising march to Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford, braving severe weather conditions to honour World War II veterans.
Braving the Elements for a Worthy Cause
The "80 Miles for 80 Years" expedition was conceived by Squadron Leader Dominic Clarke, whose 91-year-old father Mike resides at the care village. The march took place during Remembrance Week to commemorate eight decades since the end of World War II and to honour those who served.
The determined team included Flt Lt Adam Gaskell, Sgt Dom Mahon, Sgt Joe Quigley, Cpl Nige Gurney, Cpl Sam Jones and Cpl Luke McGivern from the RAF Valley Force Development Squadron. Some participants marched the entire distance while others supported through vehicle logistics, creating what Dominic described as "a real team effort."
Challenging Journey Through Wales and England
The servicemen faced particularly difficult conditions during their four-day mission. "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," Dominic reported.
Their route presented numerous physical challenges, including rocky coastal paths, crossing the famous Menai Straits, and wading through knee-deep waters where rivers had burst their banks following storms. As they entered England, they followed the Trans Pennine trail and canal networks, experiencing what Dominic called "a different side to the region and the big city of Manchester."
Throughout their journey, the marchers stopped at several war memorials to pay respects to fallen servicemen and women through poetry recitals, soldier stories, and quiet reflection on their sacrifices.
Heartwarming Reception and Family Legacy
The team received overwhelming public support during their trek. "The reception we received from members of the public wherever we went was heart-warming," Dominic noted. "People were tooting their horns in support, clapping and donating money."
Upon arrival at Broughton House, the marchers were greeted by Mike Clarke and other residents and staff. The team presented the care home with an engraved glass plaque and a signed print of a Spitfire and Texan T Mk 1 training aircraft, authorised by Group Captain Gez Currie, station commander at RAF Valley.
The fundraising effort has already generated more than £1,000 for Broughton House and £500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Dominic comes from a remarkable military lineage, being the fifth generation on his father's side to serve in the armed forces. His father Mike enlisted in the RAF in May 1952 at age 17 and served until 1974, rising to Master Air Signaller, the RAF's highest rank for non-commissioned officers.
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, expressed gratitude for the marchers' efforts: "It was our great pleasure to welcome the group to mark the end of their very impressive march. Their march represented the long journey to peace and to honour all those who served."
The funds raised will directly support veterans cared for at Broughton House, while the commemorative items now hold pride of place in the facility's museum.
