RAFA Marham starts 'Heroes March' to raise money and remember those lost

Veterans and servicemen from Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Marham will start walking today in a March for Heroes event that aims to raise money and remember those lost.

The week long walk starts today in Kings Lynn. They plan to collectively walk one thousand miles to remember those who lost their lives during the Battle of Britain, Prisoner of War marches and the pandemic.

Those walking aim to raise £1000 pounds for RAFA Wings Appeal and are walking this distance in miles, in memory of 80,000 British prisoners of war who were forced to do the same across Poland, Czechoslovakia and Germany in 1945.

Today, after the Battle of Britain Memorial Service in Tower Gardens, The Town Mayor and Station Commander RAF Marham will lead a marching contingent, including the Standard Bearers from Kings Lynn, Downham Market and RAF Marham RAF Branches, around ‘The Walks’ in Kings Lynn.

After the week of events, the Kings Lynn Athletics Club will complete the 192 mile around Norfolk Relay and donate any profits to the ‘March For Heroes’ event.

Paul Edwards, the president of the President RAF Marham RAFA Branch told us that doing the walk is so important because "several RAF colleagues" from Norfolk were some of those forced to walk one thousand miles in 1945.

He also told us that despite being a military man, "we have really no idea what prisoners of war were put through" during both World Wars.

Mr Edwards says military charities "have suffered during the pandemic", largely because "people haven't been able to be as generous, as they normally are". He says this has resulted in RAFA Marham's income decreasing by "three hundred per-cent".

He also told us that the level of those volunteering has "been fantastic", but isn't surprised by it due to Norfolk's "strong and proud military heritage."

Mr Edwards concluded by saying the march is a "great chance to get out and meet people".

• norfolk
• marham
• raf