Chorley school children help D-Day veterans' historic trip

9:40pm Tuesday 18th November 2008

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Children from a local school have pledged to help D-Day veterans make a journey to the beaches of Normandy in honour of the fallen.

A group of yougsters at Southlands High School want to help send the veterans to the 65th Anniversary commemoration in France, next year.

The pupils at the school in Clover Road embarked on the fundraising challenge after they were visited by local veterans, including Ken Anderton, a glider pilot and Stan Dickenson, who both fought in the battle of Normandy.

The veterans described their experiences of taking part in the greatest seaborne invasion in history and a crucial battle in the Second World War.

Dave Goulden, head of history at the school said: “While the American and Canadian governments have promised to give financial help to pay for their veterans to make the journey to Normandy the British government has not.

“Following the visit this year the 10 pupils were so moved that they decided to set about fund raising to help the veterans attend to show how much they value the sacrifices made by that generation and allow those who survive to make possibly a final visit to pay their respects to their fallen comrades.

“The pupils have been fantastic and their immediate response was to wonder what they could do to help.”

The children have already raised £350 towards the fund during a sponsored cycling event held in Market Place, in Chorley, on Tuesday, November 11.

Any D-day veterans who want help to attend the commemoration in 2009 can contact Mr Goulden on 01257 414455.