September 2018
Mark Twelves, Litton Properties Managing Director, with two surveying friends recently completed the Western Front Trek organised by The Royal British Legion to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1.
Approximately 60 people walked part of the Somme front and the Ypres Salient, completing just over 50 miles in four days. The walk concluded with a visit to the Menin Gate for the nightly last post ceremony on Saturday 22nd September.
The three surveyors, Mark, Richard Abbey, a Partner of John Earle based in Henley-in-Arden, and Andrew Coney, a Partner of PWC based in Preston all met at College in the 1980’s. All three had close relatives who served in the war. Mark’s grandfather Billy Twelves served with The Sherwood Foresters on the Somme.
The three of them were the largest fundraisers raising close to £11,500 plus £1350 in Gift Aid. Combined fund raising for this sponsored walk was over £110,000.
Mark said “It was a very rewarding and moving experience. We were accompanied by a fantastic Historian and with his guidance it brought home the true scale of loss and hardship suffered by that generation for our futures.” He added “The Royal British Legion are a superb charity and do incredible work for past and present members of the armed forces and their families. In view of recent conflicts their need is great, and the services offered by RBL fulfill an essential role.”
Donanions can be made via Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-coney3