In the spirit of honouring the sacrifice made by the brave servicemen and women who fought in the Battle of Arnhem/Operation Market Garden, Mark Harding will embark on a remarkable journey walking from Carlisle to Arnhem to commemorate the 80th celebration of the Battle of Arnhem/Operation Market Garden.

Mark will make this journey in commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice; in particular, British soldier, Denham H. Brotheridge, who lost his life during the D-Day invasion at Pegasus Bridge, having been struck in the neck by machine gun fire. Denham’s injury mirrors Mark’s own experiences in Afghanistan, creating a deeper connection to the cause.

Mark will also be honouring his great grandfather, John Wilson Sutherland, leading seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve, who lost his life on HMT Pelton, which was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat S-28 off Great Yarmouth on 24 December 1940. His great grandfather lost his life aged 33, the same age Mark was when he came close to losing his life when a Taliban sniper’s bullet entered his neck in Afghanistan in 2010.

This extraordinary journey is not just about paying tribute to the brave souls who fought at the Battle of Arnhem; it is also an opportunity to shed light on the challenges faced by all bereaved military children, past and present.

Mark is determined that we can ensure these children are not forgotten. Mark feels strongly that it is our collective responsibility as a nation to stand alongside these courageous young souls, offering them solace, guidance, and the opportunity to build a brighter future. By supporting Scotty's Little Soldiers, Mark aims to make a tangible difference in their lives, ensuring they never feel alone or abandoned in their journey of healing and growth.

Mark urges us to join him on this remarkable endeavour, as we celebrate the bravery of our servicemen and women, both past and present. Together, let us extend our unwavering support to the children who carry the weight of loss upon their young shoulders. With our collective efforts, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that no smile is ever forgotten.