MEMBERS of Mercian Nordic Walking are set to follow in the footsteps of the brave young men of the First World War as they walk across the Somme battlefields.
Running from October 3 to 6, the bespoke tour includes visits to such historic sites as Thiepval Memorial, the Sunken Lane, Memetz and Auscionvillas.
Ian Northcott BEM, who runs Mercian Nordic Walking, has joined forces with Baxter’s Battlefield Tours to design the trip.
He said: “The First World War is a very important part of our history and we need to ensure we never forget.
“I combined my love of Nordic Walking with my interest in the First World War to offer this unique tour where we actually walk on the ground trod by our ancestors.”
Ian is also the founder of Socks and Chocs, a charity which provides clothing, toiletries, health care and short term emergency accommodation for homeless people and those who are living in adverse housing conditions.
Stuart Baxter, of Baxter’s Battlefield Tours, said: “Ian contacted me and I loved the idea of working with Mercian Nordic Walking on this bespoke tour, where we are actually visiting the memorials of several of the guests’ ancestors.
“I learnt about Ian’s charity and so I insisted a portion of the profit went to help the homeless.”
The cheque for £954 will be used to support the homeless this winter.
Mercian Nordic Walking and Baxter’s Battlefield Tours will be visiting the Somme again in 2018 and walking the D Day landing beaches of the Second World War in October 2019.
Contact Ian at www.merciannordicwalking.co.uk or visit at www.baxters-battlefieldtours.com for more information.
Also, visit www.socksandchocs.co.uk for more information on Ian’s charity.
