In August 2018, The Royal British Legion will be holding a modern recreation of the 1928 Pilgrimage by assembling over 2000 Standards in a ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

Each Royal British Legion Branch is being asked to send a Standard Bearer and Wreath Bearer to represent the contribution of those from their community that gave so much in war, and in the years that followed.

Being the Standard Bearer for my local branch (Cowden, Hartfield and District) I have been asked to attend, however I have to fund my own attendance for the Pilgrimage as will the Wreath Bearer.

We will attend various sites in the Ypres salient during the four day pilgrimage ending with a parade at the Menin Gate which will be attended by Heads of State. It will be the largest parade by the Royal British Legion in 90 years.

During August, I will be walking the whole length of Hadrian’s Wall in order to raise the funds needed to attend Great Pilgrimage 90.

My solo walk will tackle the varied terrain of Hadrian’s Wall from Solway on Firth to Wallsend, a distance of 84 miles. To make it a round 90 miles, I have decided to continue to South Shields, also making this a coast to coast walk.
The 90 miles of this route will also represent one mile for each casualty from members of my local community who have died in the two world wars and other conflicts.

I would be very grateful for any donations that would enable us to attend Great Pilgrimage 90, on the condition that I complete the route from Solway on Firth to South Shields in the footsteps of the Roman Legions.

£500 will cover the cost of each representative from our community to attend Great Pilgrimage 90. Any subsequent donations will go to the Poppy Appeal of which I am an Honorary Poppy Appeal Organiser so please do not feel you do not have to donate if we reach the target. Let us also help those who need our help now.

Thank you
James