The Frontline Walk
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Gary Logie
I did the Normandy Frontline Walk in 2023, and it was, to put it simply, and incredible experience. The whole team, from both the ABF and Classic Challenge were brilliant, and provided great support all the way around.Meeting fellow walkers and the teamwork and camaraderie on display was great to see.Walking in the footsteps of our forebears was particularly pertinent, and I would strongly recommend this event to anyone and everyone.
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John Cavana
For over 30 years I have done something for a charity changing the charity each year, I signed up to walk in 2016 my first experience of ABF, but not my last.I have worked for three charities and my life was changed by a charity so for me to rate this charity as the best is quite something.The expertise and professionalism of the staff is second to none.I never served in the armed forces but was accepted as part of the fundraising army from the onset, the experience gained on the walks will remain with me for life along with friendships forged.Signed up for one walk but now looking forward to my third walk, says it all really, give it a go you will be astonished I promise you.
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Sandra Smith
This will be my third walk, I have had two challenging experiences making fab memories, learning so much and meeting amazing people, sharing stories, sharing tears of laughter, sharing help and encouragement, oh and importantly sharing sweets ha ha ha Everything is so well organised, staff are fun and friendly, historians are so interesting, just a great all round way to help raise funds but have a memorable time doing it.For me this has gave me some of the best pieces of my life’s jigsaw, it has been worth every ache and pain, walking over cobble stones and up muddy slippy paths, just a fantastic holiday trip making friends for life and earning the funds you raise for such a well deserved cause, Anyone who is thinking about it .... do it, you will never regret taking part in such a wonderful experience, meeting awesome people and having a real sweetie stop ....wow that was the highlight for me ha ha ha So looking forward to number 3 trip in October, meeting up with past ABF walking buddies and making new friends .... bring it on, 😁
Kaz Windmill
I took part in the Somme Walk in 2016, Normandy Beaches in 2019, and signed up for Western Front in 2020. The camaraderie and organistation are second to none. Lifelong frendships are forged. Very humbling, emotional experience, all raising funds for Soldier's for life. An honour to walk in the footsteps of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Select that join button, you will not regret it.
Chris Price
The Rugby Relics have done 3 of the Frontline Walks and on target with our fundraising for a further two. The people who take part in this event are a kindred spirit, and a total joy to spend time with. The events are run so professionally, leaving nothing for you to do other than turn up, and Amy is an absolute gem dealing with so many peoples random requests and pleas for help, and herding them all to the start point on time.In a world where so many charities ask us for help, this is a truly brilliant event for a wholly worthwhile charity very close to the hearts of all of the Rugby RelicsIf you are in doubt - don't be, just do it!
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Richard Taylor
Richard Taylor FLW 2016. This will be an emotional, physical and rewarding experience. Amy and the ABF will look after you, while you have an experience that will stay with you, for e it was the Belgians civilians standing to clap us into Ypres, and under the Menin Gate, they get it, and as 100 of us walked through in two's ... it still moves me. All this and you are being guided by historians and raising funds for a great charity. Just a wonderful thing to do. Many go back year after year.
Mickey Pearse
Very emotional, extremely rewarding, brilliantly organised should be on the Bucket List for everyone - you will not be disappointed
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Chris Byrne
I signed up with a couple of friends for the 2018 Western Front Walk but came away after the walk with many more 😀. The whole experience was daunting, exhilarating, emotional and such a boost to my whole well being. The training made me fitter and more active and the fundraising events kept my brain ticking over.I would recommend these walks for all of the above reasons and the many more I have missed out 🚶💯
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Andy Herrick
I've done the Western Front walk four times - 2016-2019. And am signed up to do it again in 2020.There's nothing quite like it. The first time I signed up I simply thought I was going for a walk in France and Belgium to raise funds for a great charity and to learn a bit about the First World War. I could never have anticipated how much more it was going to be. I love walking, and the 60 miles over three days is a good challenge. But doing it in great company, making good friends along the way, learning about the battle fields from really knowledgeable guides, and the emotional roller coaster of standing in places where countless men gave their lives makes the whole experience something very special.Mametz Wood breaks my heart every time - and that's before coffee on the first day's walking!And the organisation from ABF The Soldiers Charity and Classic Challenge is superb - their standards are sky high, to the point where you get on the buses at Wellington Barracks and just do as they say all the way to the end. The Frontline Walk is one of the top highlights of my year.
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David abercrombie
I have done 3 walks western front 100 day offensive and Normandy beeches Fantastic walks have met some fantastic people gained new friends I have had great days and very emotional days can’t wait for 2121 to meet everybody again such fantastic times never to be forgotten
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Cath Rhodes
I have taken part in this great fundraising challenge twice, in 2015 to commemorate my Great Uncle, who is listed on the Menin Gate in Ypres, then again in 2017, as this commemorated my great grandfathers service, he’d been wounded near Ypres in 1917 so ultimately survived the War, with a long term disability. You will meet and make good friends on this challenge, the charity ambassadors who accompany each group explain in real terms what this great charity has done for them. That really helps you grasp how important your fundraising is, and what good it will do. I highly recommend the experience, despite visiting many WW1 sites since the 70s, there is nothing quite like the experience of walking along the battle lines & learning the details from the group historians
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Martin Walker
I have done both the Normandy beaches and the Western front and both have been great.The guides certainly opened my eyes.Looking forward to bringing my grandchildren in the future.
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Gill Green
I walked the Western Front in 2017 and the Normandy beaches in 2019. Each walk was hard, both physically and emotionally, but well worth the effort. The historians give a lot of detail about the battlefields and you’ll learn the stories of the men who fought there. The support you receive from ABF before and during the event is outstanding. You’ll make life long friends with other walkers and will have achieved something amazing when you walk over Pegasus Bridge or through the Menin Gate at the end. Sign up! You know you want to.
Mike Anthony
We've taken on he Frontline Walk-Western Front twice now, never gets easier, but never gets less enjoyable. You'll go through a host of emotions, from the endless headstones of the Somme, the awesome spectacle of the Vimy Memorial to Passchendaele and the Menin Gate.The people you walk amongst will be come friends, some for life. You'll laugh, ache and hurt together, not forgetting a little tipple along the way!The support teams and organisation are faultless. Everything you'll need along the route will be there for you, food, drink, encouragement, medical and emotional support.At the going down of the sun and in the morning, (and every step you take), we will remember them.Sign up now and support a great charity.
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Tony hughes
Thought provoking, inspirational & shows the bravery of many who never returned.Will absolutely be doing the walk again
Paul Critchley
I taken part in the Frontline Walk four times - I was only ever going to do it once!The experience is like no other event I have been involved with. It is physically demanding and emotionally fulfilling in one go. The opportunity to walk the battlefields, learn the history - both large scale and deeply personal - and to engage in conversation with people who very quickly become part of your family is one not too miss.The organisation, resourcing and support from the charity is outstanding.You will not regret taking part in the Frontline Walk.
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Guy Sudron
I undertook this challenge in 2015, 2017 and 2019. It's life changing - you push yourself physically and mentally, learn about yourself, meet people who become life-long friends, learn about the sacrifices made by the brave souls (on both sides) during the Great War and pay your respects. But, most importantly, by joining in you can make a real difference to today's soldiers, veterans and their families. A great event run by a great charity that makes a real difference.
John O'Connell
I did this walk in 2015.It was Amazing but emotional. Learning about the sacrices these Very Brave Men made to keep us safe opened my eyes to the Horrors of all out War.I also made some Lifelong Friends and am very grateful to the ABF for giving me this chance.
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Lyndon Harper
I signed up to do the 2019 Frontline Walk as a challenge to myself as I wanted to achieve something before I turned 50 later that year. I said I would do this only once, but I enjoyed it so much that I felt I should do it again, so I duly signed up for 2020 Frontline Walk!! I was very apprehensive about doing the walk the first time, but the people you meet are extremely friendly and helpful… if you think you can’t do this? You can!! You have an amazing team around you that will support you all the way. Yes, you’ll have aches, pains and blisters, but they are so worth it when you get to finishing line of the Menin Gate… It’s a memory that will live you forever!! Don’t delay, join up today!! It’s a life changing experience that will give you some wonderful memories, not forgetting meeting new people who will become life friends!!
Ray Caines