Between 1st and 6th September, our charity hosted its very first Pyrenees Escape Route Challenge, which raised thousands of pounds to help Army families and veterans.
A new introduction to our flagship challenge event series, ‘The Frontline Walk’, this arduous route follows the footsteps of Allied servicemen and Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied France during World War Two.
Our team of 14 fundraisers trekked high into the Pyrenees mountains, ascending nearly 2,500m, before descending across the border into Spain. They were accompanied by history guides who took them back in time, sharing stories about the exceptional individuals who risked their lives for freedom, as well as the local people or “passeurs” who aided their escape.
ABF Regional Director, South-East, Will Tower, was among those from our charity supervising our first Pyrenees trek. He said:
“This was an amazing challenge with an outstanding group of people. It was also an exciting opportunity to experience how, during the darkest days of World War Two, all those brave individuals went to such great lengths to cross the Pyrenees and escape from Nazi Europe. A massive thank you to everyone who took part for their commitment and support for the ABF.”
We were also delighted that our charity’s trustee David London and former trustee Guy Davies were part of our team and enjoyed the experience.
If you would like to take on the challenge next year, you can register your interest here.