A veteran will be retracing the footsteps of his grandfather as he takes on a 40km march while carrying a 15kg pack.
Ben Mead will be hiking in Oosterbeek in the Netherlands almost 79 years after his grandfather fought in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.
This Saturday, September 2, Ben will be marching the full route with a pack weighing 15kg to replicate the packs that allied troops would have carried.
Ben, from Eastbourne, fought in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan and said it “will be an honour” to retrace his grandfather’s footsteps.
He is doing the march for the Taxi Charity, which provides entertainment and free trips to the Netherland and France for veterans.
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Ben said: “Over the years I have been lucky enough to go away on some wonderful trips with the Taxi Charity and have met some amazing people especially Second World War veterans.
“Impressed by what the charity does, I have decided to support them and take part in the Airborne March on September 2.
“The walk will take place in Oosterbeek in the Netherlands where in September 1944 the British 1st Airborne Division saw heavy fighting during Operation Market Garden.
“One of these brave soldiers who fought was my grandfather and it will be an honour to retrace his footsteps. I’m hoping to raise over £500 for the Taxi Charity before I leave the UK on August 30 and would really appreciate any support.”
The march is part of Wandeltocht which is the annual Dutch commemorative event for the Battle of Arnhem which took place between September 17 and September 26 in 1944.
The Taxi Charity has been run by London black taxi drivers since 1948 and originally transported disabled veterans.
London cab driver and chairman of the Taxi Charity Brian Heffernan said: “The pandemic and the cost of living crisis has really hit us hard and it is concerning that in our 75th anniversary year we are worried about our financial situation.
“To hear that Ben is wanting to help is wonderful and I hope everyone gets behind him and donates to ensure our work can continue.”
For more information on the fundraiser, visit Ben's Just Giving.
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