A FALCONER from the dale is to take an epic 100km trek across Normandy later this year in aid of military veterans.
It will be the second time that Tori Goodall, of Walworth Birds of Prey, has joined a hundred other trekkers on a Frontline Walk, having completed the Somme route two years ago.
She was introduced to the Frontline Walk by gun dog trainer John Cavana, who she met about ten years ago while giving one of her falconry displays at a show.
Ms Goodall said: “He is one of those people who would give his leg for charity if he could.
“I signed up for it because they wanted a team to represent field sports. “
Others who took part in their Country Sports Pride team were Richard Walton, Shane Robinson and Chris Green and they raised about £12,000 for ABF -The Soldiers Charity.
She hopes to be better prepared this year after struggling during her first attempt.
She said: “My feet were trashed.
“The doctor told me on day two to give up. In good old northern style I carried on. I can’t believe I am doing it again.”
A mark of the Frontline Walk are the historians along the route who give background to the various battles that were fought. They also do research on participants’ family members ahead of the walk.
Of her first walk, Ms Goodall said: “I have always had an appreciation [of the sacrifices made] but you can’t imagine what it was like. It was heart-breaking.
“On the last day walking into Menin Gate everyone was in tears.
“I came home and I couldn’t read enough [about the First World War]. About a week later they released the film They Shall Not Grow Old and we went to see it. I was in tears. You can’t imagine the sacrifice they all made for us.
“It is something I feel strongly about. We have veterans on the streets and they get no support.”
She added: “Frontline Walk is a lifechanging experience.
“It is hard to describe – it will live with me as long as I am alive.”
Ms Goodall and her country pursuits teammates will be learning more about the sacrifices made during the Second World War when they tackle the Normandy route in October, which is also a three-day march across 100km.
This time, however, it will be even tougher going as they take a long slog over beaches.
The event is due to take place from September 30 to October 11 and organisers say they are currently planning to stage the walk, but it will be kept under review due to the coronavirus situation.
