A group of ex-firefighters from Dundee have just completed a mammoth 100-plus-mile hike to commemorate those who died in both world wars, while raising funds to help those suffering from cancer.
Following the route taken by the 51st Highland Division in the Second World War, the HD Hike took the seven former firefighters through various sites in France, Belgium and Germany, from St-Valery-en-Caux in France to Goch in Germany.
Trip spokesman Jim Malone said it was an emotional trip, raising close to their £5,000 target for their chosen charities, with more donations to come.
He said: “We visited relevant sites on our 102-mile hike from the site of the division’s heartbreaking surrender at St Valery and from its battles from sword beach to its final battle honour of the war at Goch.
“We included, to commemorate our ancestors’ sacrifices in the First World War, visits to battle sites in cemeteries atLoos, Aubers Ridge, Vimy Ridge and Ypres.”
To commemorate the sacrifice of the 51st Highland Division on June 12 1940, Jim and his colleagues visited the cemetery, memorial and the church at St Valery, which has a stained glass homage to the 51st.
They were also in Loos on the 99th anniversary of the First World War battle.
Throughout the trip, the firefighters wore T-shirts to reflect the three different charities they were raising funds for, plus their own special HD Hike T-shirts.
The 51st (Highland) Division was aBritish territorial force division that fought on the Western Front in France during the First World War before their exploits during the second great conflict.
Jim went on: “Last year we, the retired firefighters, decided to make a positive contribution in the fight against cancer.
“Our ex-colleague Doug Gall had developed the disease and we took on Hadrian’s Wall in September 2013. We raised over £3,000 for Maggie’s and the Bobby Robson Foundation, as Doug worked in a fire safety role in Newcastle, hence the link.
“We then held a fundraising dance in June this year to raise funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust and Maggie’s. We raised £1,000 on the night.
“The Highland Division Hike was planned as homage to the fallen from both world wars.
“Three of our fathers fought with the division in the Second World War. Doug’s father actually escaped the surrender of the division at St-Valery-en-Caux.
“We visited sites of battle and remembrance during our hike, places where Dundee’s own fought and died in the fight against militarism and fascism, including Goch, where my father fought and was wounded in February 1945.”
Jim added: “The target of raising £5,000 for our chosen charities is within reach. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/Jim-Malone3.”