Jim Morton – 10,000 miles for GWT
Super supporter Jim Morton, is hanging up his walking boots after covering an enormous 10,000 miles, raising funds for GWT.
A journey begins
The first steps of Jim’s incredible journey were taken in 2021 when he set himself the challenge of walking 9500 miles around the coast of Britain with the goal of raising £50,000 for The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
After walking for 537 days, getting through five pairs of walking boots, seeing all of Britain’s 243 lighthouses, celebrating two birthdays and welcoming two new grandchildren, Jim completed his challenge and raised a monumental £37,737 for GWT.
Following his inspiring journey Jim wrote a book about the adventure and donated all of the proceeds to GWT.
Next steps
Determined to reach his £50,0000 target Jim took on his next challenge in June 2024 when he walked the length of the five beaches of the D-Day Normandy landings. Jim’s inspiration to take on this new endeavour stemmed from his father who, at only 21 years of age, fought on Sword Beach during the D-Day landings 80 years ago. Jim believes that this one day defined his whole life.
“When you look at the photos of him, he was 21, but he only looked about 12 to be honest in some of the pictures. It must have been terrifying for him.”
Jim was overjoyed to reach his target to raise £50,000 for The Gurkha Welfare Trust in December 2024.
Walking home
To date, Jim had totted up an incredible 9994 in his walking challenges and wanted to tie up loose ends and make it a total of 10,000 miles so he planned his final hurrah to take place in his home town of Penistone. Jim invited friends and fellow supporters to walk the final 6 miles alongside him. They set off at 9.30am on Sunday 28th September from Dunford Bridge, near Holmfirth to walk to Penistone.
“Did it and got on the telly,I might be hanging the boots up,but we have bikes in the garage and will never stop supporting the Gurkhas”
Jim you are an inspiration and we are so very grateful for everything you have done for The Trust! Thank you!