Around 60 people joined the Cross Bay Walk 2024 on Saturday 10th August to raise money for our charity in its 80th year.
To celebrate the occasion of its 80th anniversary our Lancashire Committee invited supporters and friends from across Lancashire to join its first trek from Arnside Promenade to Grange-over-Sands. The sun shone on this scenic walk of around 6-8 miles across the sands – the uneven terrain means this varies with exact walk – with breath-taking views across Morecambe Bay, whilst raising funds for The Army Benevolent Fund in the company of serving soldiers.
Crossing the sands with an experienced and knowledgeable guide is the only way to traverse the ever-changing flats and channels. The King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson and his colleagues at the Guide over Sands Trust ensured the assembled walkers safely navigated a course on the day and were supported by a team of serving soldiers from 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s regiment.
The event was one of several activities locally and nationally, marking the 80th anniversary of the Army Benevolent Fund in 2024. Donations are still coming in, but the charity is confident it will achieve its goal of raising £5000 with the Cross Bay Walk, soldiers of the past, present and future.
ABF’s Fundraising Manager in North West, Steph Johnson, said:
“Thank you to all our supporters who joined the Army Benevolent Fund’s northwest regional team for our first ever walk across Morecambe Bay. It was a great way to celebrate the charity’s 80th anniversary and show support for soldiers, former soldiers and their families. If you missed the chance to take part, we will be back next year!”
“Huge thanks to the King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson and his amazing team from the Guide over Sands Trust for hosting us, and a special thanks to 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s regiment for supporting the walk.”
Lancashire committee chairman- Brigadier (Retd) Peter Rafferty Said:
“I would like to thank all of our supporters who made our first ever Cross Bay Walk such a success, both those who walked with us and those who made donations on behalf of the walkers! It was a “pilot” effort and we are very pleased at the interest shown, that we shall build on going forward. It was a particularly successful event due to the volunteer Kingsmen, from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, led by WO2 (RQMS) Paul Johnson, accompanying us on this “Walk with Soldiers” as we welcomed them back to the Northwest after several years in Cyprus!”
Charity supporter, Vicky said:
“The Cross Bay Walk has always been on my bucket list and I couldn’t imagine a better reason to finally take part. It’s been a fantastic day, I’ve enjoyed every minute, I’m already looking forward to next years event.”