My Western Front walking pilgrimage: Chelsea Pensioner’s 1,000k trek
Chelsea Pensioner Alan Rutter is one of the many army veterans proud to call The Royal Hospital Chelsea their home – a venue which played a leading role in the care of ex-servicemen and women for more than 300 years. But you won’t find him kicking back and taking it easy right now. The 72-year-old is currently embarked on a 1,000km odyssey in honour of First World War soldiers.
BY YANN TEAR
yann@slpmedia.co.uk
An army veteran has embarked on a very personal tribute to fallen soldiers of the First World War – a gruelling 1,000km walk along the Western Front.
Chelsea Pensioner Alan Rutter, 72, is confident of completing the demanding two-month journey, raising funds for the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where he now lives.
He began his escapade at Dunkirk last month and will end up on the borders of Switzerland, Germany and France at Pletterhouse.
And to show that he’s still made of the right stuff, he has been sleeping under the stars, making only the occasional stop at a bed and breakfast to allow him to wash his clothes.
“Some people might think me mad, but it seems to me to be the best way to pay respect to the millions of allied troops killed or wounded along its length,” he said.
“I’m doing it for everyone who will be wearing a poppy on Remembrance Sunday. We must never forget how horrific this conflict was for those who served their country.
“I also feel it my duty to raise money for the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, which has given me and my fellow Chelsea Pensioners a home and a family, and for the charity War Child.
“No child should be part of a war, but armed conflict is a depressing reality for millions of children today. We can all do our bit to help.
“I’m not yet ready to put on my slippers and doze at the fireside,” said this
ex-Middlesex Regiment soldier, who went on to forge a second career caring for children and adults with special needs. “I still love an adventure.”
The Royal Hospital’s chief executive, Gary Lashko, paid tribute to Alan, saying: “He is a wonderful ambassador for Britain’s veteran community. His dedication to walk the entire Western Front encapsulates his adventurous spirit and can do attitude.
“It really is no mean feat to take on this challenge.“We’re also immensely proud of Alan’s great commitment to raising money for his home at Chelsea – a mission shared by most of his fellow Chelsea Pensioners.”
If you would like to support Alan’s epic challenge, you can donate online at https://www.justgiving.com/teams/Alan-Rutter.