The Monumental Walk - a clarification
22 February 2010
Recent news reports have concerned an individual, Mr Matthew Hollox, who has embarked on a 3,000 mile fundraising trek to raise £3 million.
In his media interviews, on his website, www.themonumentalwalk.co.uk, on his Facebook group, and on his LegionLive profile, Mr Hollox asserts that funds collected will be donated to The Royal British Legion for the purpose of building a monument in Wootton Bassett to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Royal British Legion wishes to make it absolutely clear that it has no plans whatsoever to erect a monument in Wootton Bassett, nor is it aware of any plans in the community for the creation of such a monument.
However, we are delighted to support Mr Hollox in his fundraising initiative and we are equally thrilled that following meetings with the Legion, he has decided to donate the proceeds from his 'Monumental Walk' to the NMA Appeal at The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The Appeal will, amongst other things, provide the infrastructure needed to secure the site as a world class centre of Remembrance. The Arboretum is the home of the Armed Forces Memorial, the nation's tribute to those lost as a result of conflict and terrorism, since World War II and also the location of the Basra Memorial Wall which will be rededicated on 11 March.
We wish him every luck as his journey continues and hope that others are inspired to contribute to the future of the National Memorial Arboretum and The Royal British Legion.
