Barry historian's fundraising march 'in the footsteps of heroes' (From Barry And District News)

Barry historian's fundraising march 'in the footsteps of heroes'

4:40pm Sunday 30th September 2012 in News

BARRY historian Dr Jonathan Hicks will be following in the footsteps of heroes on October 7, when he joins 50 re-enactors in a sponsored march to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.

The 13-mile march will take place around the Berkshire villages where the famous American 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment - portrayed in the television series 'Band of Brothers' - was trained and billeted, once before D-Day and again before Operation Market Garden.

Re-enactors and living historians wearing wartime US Army uniforms and carrying full packs will march between Littlecote House - where officers of the Airborne Division were based - and Aldbourne and Ramsbury, where thousands of infantrymen were billeted as they waited to be flown into Europe in 1944.

Dr Hicks hopes to raise several hundred pounds for the Army Benevolent Fund.

"My wife Wendy will also be taking part, cycling the route on a wartime bicycle, dressed as a Land Girl," he said.

"It's a worthy cause so we are delighted to be able to do our bit, though we may have a few aches and pains the following morning!"

The Army Benevolent Fund began in 1944 and is known as 'The Soldiers' Charity'. It provides lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families, providing financial assistance when they are in real need.

If you would like to sponsor Dr Hicks, donations can be sent c/o St Cyres School, St Cyres Road, Penarth or by telephone on 07708 255295.