David Forbes walked 175 miles – and now he’ll walk 500 more

Date published: 30 January 2021


After walking 175 miles in November 2020 for the Poppy Appeal, Wing Commander David Forbes DL MBE is now walking 500 more to raise funds for the Mayor of Rochdale’s charity appeal.

The Rochdale veteran, 81, has been walking several miles each morning since March 2020, after battling a chest infection and cold around Christmas 2019.

Last November, Mr Forbes, the president of the British Legion in Rochdale, walked 150 throughout November to raise much-needed funds for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
 


He is now aiming to raise £2,000 for the Mayor’s charity, which is supporting Rochdale Springhill Hospice, Parkinson’s UK, Rochdale Shopmobility, Leukaemia UK, Rochdale Veterans, Rochdale Heartbeat and many other local charities.

Mr Forbes is aiming to complete the distance by the end of April.

He said: “I’m still walking every day, and the Mayor’s Charity has nothing in it at the moment.

“The Mayor’s Charity benefits so many local people, and any money raised will be a benefit.

 

Wing Commander David Forbes with his MBE
Wing Commander David Forbes was awarded an MBE in 2017

 

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin is delighted at Mr Forbes’ efforts.

He added: “David is an amazing fellow who has been a member of the Mayor’s Charity Committee for several years. He has always been supportive of charities and for him to take up the mantle like Captain Tom is tremendous.

“David has such a big heart and I’m so pleased he is doing this for the Mayor’s Charity. I hope people will support him.”

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