REGULARS at the Queen’s Head in Hanham are preparing for a March in March in aid of the military charity Combat Stress.
The idea came from Yvette Singer, whose partner Paul Arnold is an ex-serviceman. It was enthusiastically backed by landlord Allen Williams and his wife Hayley as well as other pubgoers.
Yvette said she remembered how her partner had taken a call from a veteran in need, recommended they contact the Combat Stress line and given them the number.
“We thought it would be nice to get a group together for the March in March to raise money for Combat Stress and give something back,” she said.
“The Queen’s Head isn’t just a pub — it’s a community. The landlord and regulars, many of whom are ex-servicemen and women, will be taking part in the charity walk to raise money for Combat Stress. This is our way of standing shoulder to shoulder with those who have served and now need support.”
Yvette said she chose the team’s name of “No One Walks Alone” as a nod to landlord Allen, who was a serving member of the Green Jackets and hails from Liverpool.
Participants in March in March are asked to walk or run 10 miles during the month at their own pace.
“We have team members of varying abilities and hence the motto of No one Walks Alone; it is not about being the fastest to complete the march, it is about making sure we all look out for each other and come home together,” she said.
Funds are needed to provide hours of support on the Combat Stress helpline, which offers compassionate, confidential support to veterans struggling with mental health. Last year alone the helpline received more than 17,000 calls.
The team’s initial aim was to raise £500. Funds had already topped £1000 before March even arrived.