A Forres woman has embarked on the challenge of a lifetime to walk the length of the 1914-18 Western Front, from the Swiss/French border to the Belgium coastal town of Nieuwpoort; a total distance of 652 miles (1050 km).
Isla Morrison from Forres will join walking companion and brother-in-law Jonathon Parrott to raise funds for Building Heroes, an army veteran’s charity and Diabetes UK.
The pair have already started the journey, which will take 35 days, with two rest days: the first in Verdun after 270 miles and the second in Soissons at 440 miles. Aiming to arrive in Nieuwpoort on Friday 21 April, and returning to Ypres to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate that evening, marking the end of an epic and thought-provoking journey.
“Since my daughter’s diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes three years ago I’ve found the support invaluable from Diabetes UK. Looking for my next challenge, it was obvious to give back to such a great charity. Plus, being an ex-veteran means I can fully see the benefit of Building Heroes and how it helps so many to rebuild their lives after service,” says Isla Morrison, Mum and ex-veteran in the armed services.
Both Isla and Jonathan are ex-army veterans, and you can follow their journey on their blog post at https://intothebreech.wixsite.com/wfw-23
In the picture: Isla Morrison and walking companion Jonathan Parrott on day three of their challenge on the summit of the Grand Ballon (1429m)
Donate here: https://app.investmycommunity.com/campaigns/westernfrontway