Charity walker Jane’s journey takes her via high road to Naval Base Clyde
Commander Jane Allen gets a real Scottish welcome at Faslane Base.
By Gavin Carr
A retired Royal Navy Reservist received a warm welcome – including some stirring tunes from a piper – when she trekked through HM Naval Base Clyde as part of a 5,500 mile walk for charity.
Commander Jane Allen passed through the Naval Base, and was cheered along by uniform and civilian personnel alike.
Dubbed the “Victory Walk”, after serving 37 years in the RNR Jane decided to spend her first year of her retirement raising cash for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust.
Starting from Portsmouth, Jane has trekked anti-clockwise following the coastline and has already clocked-up an impressive 3,300 miles on her epic journey, passing through 20 counties in all weathers and terrains.
Accompanying Jane on her journey in the support vehicle was husband, Frank – a former Royal Marine.
“Between us, Frank and I have almost 70 years’ service in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, from Aden to Afghanistan,” said Jane.
“The Victory Walk seemed a good way of marking the end of my career, by taking on a year’s challenge and ‘giving back’. This is the ultimate challenge for me.”
During the Base-leg of the challenge Clyde personnel dug-deep, contributing £316 towards the good causes.
“We were delighted that Jane could visit the Naval Base as part of her Victory Walk,” said Rear Admiral John Weale, Flag Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland. “After 37 years with the RNR many people would be content to take it easy, but not Jane! We were very happy to be able to contribute to her cause and cheer her along as she continues her journey.”
Jane and Frank will continue down the west coast with the final stretch involving walking the South West Coastal Path as she heads back towards HMS Victory in Portsmouth where she hopes to arrive in the Spring of 2019.
Alasdair Akass, Director of Fundraising and Marketing for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said: “It is fantastic to see Commander Jane Allen reach HM Naval Base Clyde. The perseverance that she and her husband Frank have shown in reaching this milestone is nothing short of spectacular.
“The funds raised on the Victory Walk will be used to help the serving community, families and veterans based in Scotland, including those who will use the soon to be opened Drumfork Families Centre – a community hub that will be used by an expected 2,000 visitors per month.”
To sponsor Jane on her Victory Walk visit: Virginmoneygiving.com/victorywalk17-18 or visit the website at: www.victorywalk.uk.