Alan Rutter Prepares for 610 mile 'Western Front' Hike
31st July 2019
Chelsea Pensioner Alan Rutter will set out to walk the 610 miles of the "Western Front" this weekend to raise funds for two charities, including the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
On Sunday 4th August, Alan Rutter will embark on the epic challenge of walking the 610 miles of the ‘Western Front’, starting in Dunkirk and finishing almost 2 months later in Pletterhouse on the borders of Switzerland, Germany & France. If the 610 mile journey doesn't sound gruling enough for a 71-year old retired Army Veteran, Alan is also planning to sleep under the stars most nights with only the occassional hotel stop to wash and clean his clothes.
Alan is hoping to raise money for two charities which are close to his heart, one of which is the Royal Hospital. But when asked why he is taking on this mammoth task Alan said;
Am I mad? No I am not mad. I am doing it for a number of reasons; firstly, it is a way for me to express my admiration and thanks to all those young men and women who laid down their lives for our country during the horrific conflict of the First World War (We Will Remember Them). Secondly, it is an opportunity through sponsorship, to raise money for two worthwhile causes.
Half of the money raised will go to the children’s charity, ‘War Child’, a charity that does magnificent work in supporting children living in war zones around the world. The other half will go to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which provides a home for 300 retired “Old Soldiers” or Chelsea Pensioners as they're known, of which Alan is one.
Alan was overwhelmed with the early response to his campaign saying;
Many thanks to all those who have already sponsored me and there is still time to support this worthwhile cause.
We will be following and reporting on Alan's progress throughout the challenge. If you would like to support him, you can sponsor him online at justgiving.com/teams/Alan-Rutter
