Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) is set to play a pivotal role in commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on 6 June 2024.
Four dedicated teams representing WWTW will ascend four of the UK’s highest peaks to light beacons, symbolizing remembrance and honouring the sacrifices of all those who served during the historic D-Day campaign.
Selected as the chosen charity for this momentous occasion, the charity will light beacons atop Scafell Pike (England), Mount Snowdon (Wales), Ben Nevis (Scotland), and Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland). Each team, comprising 8 to 12 individuals, including WWTW staff members, volunteers, and supporters from Sunbelt Rentals, will carry a beacon to be lit in memory of the courageous Armed Forces personnel who fought during ‘Operation Overlord’ in 1944. The beacons will be lit between 9:15pm to 9:45pm, marking a solemn tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
The WWTW teams will be led by Mountain Leaders provided by Challenge The Wild.
Tony Hulton, CEO of WWTW, stated,
“Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) is honoured to stand alongside the nation in remembering the bravery and sacrifice of our Armed Forces personnel during ‘Operation Overlord.’ This significant anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role played by our servicemen and women in shaping history. It is our privilege to pay tribute to their courage and resilience.”
David Beer, WWTW Operations Manager (East of England), will form part of the team climbing Slieve Donard, he added,
“As a staff member of Walking With The Wounded, being given this great opportunity to not only represent the charity, but be part of the celebrations and recognition of those who fought, suffered and ultimately lost their lives, is very humbling. My thoughts will be with those during the climb today, and throughout the 80th Anniversary commemorations.”
Gemma O’Shea, WWTW Operations Manager (North East), will form part of the team climbing Snowdon, she added,
“As someone who values the immense sacrifices made on D-Day, I’m honoured to take part in this event. Events like this send a powerful message that we will never forget the heroes who secured our freedom 80 years ago on the beaches of Normandy and those who have continued to protect our freedom since. Their courage and sacrifice will forever inspire us.”
Kate Tabain, WWTW Director of Fundraising and Communications, will form part of the team climbing Scafell Pike, she added,
“I feel very privileged to be a part of commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a team that will climb Scafell Pike, lighting a beacon at the time the landings on the beaches of Normandy took place. I will always be in awe and grateful for the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women of both my chosen and home countries, England and Australia, and am honoured to represent WWTW.”
Wayne McCamley (WWTW Veteran Liaison and Support Officer) will form part of the team climbing Ben Nevis, he added,
“I’m both proud and honoured to be representing WWTW on this beacon lighting event on Ben Nevis. My grandfather served in the Second World War, and he was my inspiration to join the military, so anything that I can do to pay my respects to him, and all the other brave men and woman that served is a privileged.”
In solidarity with the nationwide commemorations, hundreds of beacons will be lit across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and France.
For further information about Walking With The Wounded and their involvement in the D-Day 80 commemorations, please visit: www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk
