Community unites for 'Wings Appeal Walk' in Bexhill

Now in its second year, the fundraiser was organised by Phil Morgan, the Wings and Welfare Officer for the 1066 Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association in Bexhill.

Phil said: "The purpose of the event is to get as many walkers to raise funds for the Royal Air Force Association, which helps veterans, serving personnel, and their families. We're hoping for a nice day, to get as many people involved, and to raise as much money for RAFA as we can.

"This will be the second year that we've held it here. I can't say it was my idea, because it wasn't, but I've taken over this year to organise it. Hopefully it'll be an annual fundraiser. It is a community event, and RAFA is all about community, trying to get everybody involved, including as many people as possible. And an event like this is hopefully something that's going to do exactly that. It brings people together, gives them a nice day out and raises some money in the process."

Walkers began to set off from midday, covering a route of approximately three miles. Participants started and finished at the Albatross Club, with turn points at West Parade Beach Garden and Galley Hill.

Mayor of Bexhill, Councillor Memish Huseyin, attended the event with his deputy, Councillor Paul Peters, along with representatives from Bexhill Town Council.

Cllr Huseyin said: "I was proud to join members of the public on Bexhill seafront for the annual RAFA Wings Appeal Walk, as our community came together to pay tribute to the men and women of the Royal Air Force and raise vital funds in support of the RAFA. It was wonderful to see so many people taking part and supporting such a worthwhile cause. The event has become a much-loved annual tradition in Bexhill and is certainly one that I look forward to each year. As Mayor, I was given the honour of presenting medals to the walkers as they crossed the finish line.

"Every person who took part should be extremely proud of what they achieved and of the contribution they made to supporting such an important cause. Events like this demonstrate the wonderful community spirit we have here in Bexhill. My thanks go to everyone involved in organising the day, all those who volunteered and supported it, and, of course, every person who put on their walking shoes and took part."