For DDay 80 and to honour our veterans and the fallen from the most important campaign in our history. And for Allan ‘Calvados’ Gullis.

SONT supports our Normandy Veterans and is ensuring welfare support at home and elsewhere. This year they are taking a number of veterans to Normandy to commemorate DDay 80, Allan was able to travel to DDay 75 with SONT support and the charity also helped adapt his home. It’s a brilliant charity that keeps the spirit of this generation - and their selfless sacrifice alive. DDay 80 will be the last big commemoration for many.

Allan’s a Melksham legend. As remain those of his era who secured our freedom. Allan took me to school when I was a boy and gave me a clip around the ear when I played up: he always followed it with a wink and a smile. Mischievous as the best of us, he loved an adventure, but his life wasn’t easy. He lost his brother - a keen scout - and so many of us thereafter participated in the ‘Maurice Gullis’ camping competition here in West Wiltshire.

Allan was an influencer way before ‘Tik Tok’ and I know I owe him a great deal: and his ever loyal and charming wife Edna.

Allan passed recently, very recently, and just before DDay 80. So this one is for him as well as the charity. What am I doing for this year’s RoR?

Pegasus Bridge to the Normandy Memorial on the 7 Jun 24.

This old soldier for that old soldier: with deepest gratitude and to ensure continuing support for our Normandy veterans and their families when they need us most.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.