Giving something back to the community is important to the team at JB Kind and this year we've chosen to support and raise money for the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). 

Located in Staffordshire and close to our head office, the NMA provides a place of remembrance which honours the fallen and recognises the immense sacrifice that thousands have given on behalf of our country. 

Opened to the public in 2001 with facilities for 65,000 people per annum, the NMA has seen unprecedented growth and now has around 300,000 visits per year.  Hence the need to build a new visitor centre which is due for completion in August 2016.

We are raising money to help towards the new visitor centre (which is costing millions!) and what better way to do this than a memorial walk to remember our local World War One hero, William Coltman.  Recognised as the most decorated other rank in WW1, William was awarded the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal and bar, the Military Medal and bar, and the Croix de Guerre.  William did not believe in killing, so he enlisted as a stretcher bearer and it was for his repeated acts of bravery on the front line that awarded him the many honours.

Following a 14 mile route from William's resting place in Winshill Burton-on-Trent, we will pass his dedicated memorial garden, go through Stapenhill Gardens where he worked as a Park Warden, cross over the River Trent and follow through Branston, up to Tatenhill where he was born, coming back via Dunstall and Barton, ending at William's personal memorial at the NMA in Alrewas.

Not that a 14 mile walk isn't hard enough (there are plenty of hills along the way!), we wanted a real challenge and will be carrying our aptly named 'Trent' door (25 kg in weight), in the style of a stretcher, draped with William's regimental flag.

We kindly ask that you offer your support through a donation to this very worthy cause.  No matter how small, every contribution will make a difference.  We promise that we will be working hard for every penny!

Keep your eye on our website and Facebook page - as we'll be adding regular updates on how we're getting on.

Thank you - from all the JB Kind team.

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