Former soldier’s trek boosts service charity
Alasdair Ross has completed his trek home to Ipswich. - Credit: Archant
Ipswich councillor Alasdair Ross has raised more than £3,000 for charity by walking home from Chelmsford after Town’s Fulham match last week.
The former soldier, who now walks with a limp after injuring his leg, completed the 64-mile trek after Town’s match with Fulham.
He caught the train back to Chelmsford and completed the rest of the journey on foot, which took him 18 hours.
Most of the journey was on footpaths that were part of the Essex Way, and the first seven hours of the journey were in the dark.
And after only 40 minutes disaster struck – he ended up in a bog up to his waist meaning his clothes were wet for most of his journey home.
He said: “It was wet but at least it was very mild for this time of the year. It was tough but it was good to complete the walk . . . especially when I got back home!”
Mr Ross was taking part in the “Walking Home for Christmas” challenge organised by the Walking with the Wounded charity.
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Based in East Anglia and supported by Prince Harry, the charity has helped many veterans who have suffered while serving their country get back into work or just to cope with civilian life.
Mr Ross said: “The Walking with the Wounded charity is close to me as it supports a project that helps homeless veterans back into employment. It is a sad fact that many veterans end up in prison or homeless, for every one soldier physically injured, five will be mentally injured.”
His online giving page has so far raised just over £3,000 and the total amount continues to increase.
And despite his 64-mile trek through Essex, he hasn’t put his feet up totally since returning home.
On Saturday morning he was back on the streets of north east Ipswich – campaigning for the Labour Party as it prepares for next year’s local government elections.
To make a donation, search for Alasdair Ross at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/
More information on the Walking with the Wounded charity, visit www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/
