More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
by Mary Graham
An 11-year-old schoolboy is so inspired by the work of the Royal British Legion he is planning to walk 22 miles in the charity’s honour.
George Taylor and his family will make the 22.2 mile trek from the Battle of Britain pub in Coldhabour Lane, Northfleet, to the Royal British Legion village in Aylesford, in July.
The Shears Green junior school pupil is no stranger to planning events for the charity and has already organised a tea dance. During last year’s Silence in the Square – an event organised by the Royal British Legion in London’s Trafalgar Square – he read a poem out to 12,000 onlookers.
He has already met the Queen and appeared on Blue Peter because of his charity efforts.
George said: “A while ago I saw a news story about a war veteran who was forced to sell his medals to pay the bills and the Royal British Legion stepped in to help. I just thought it was very sad.
“I came up with the idea for the walk with my mum and we have been doing a few walks together around woods.”
The youngster, who lives in Coldharbour Road, will be joined by mum Cheryl, dad David and sister Katie on the walk.
Mrs Taylor added: “He absolutely loves Second World War films, which is how all this started.
“When he saw the story about the veteran having to sell his medals he got so angry that he wrote to Gravesham MP Adam Holloway.
“He passed it on to then veterans’ minister Kevan Jones, who got in touch.
“When he wants to organise an event there is no stopping him. I work at Shears Green infants school and once another member of staff came up to me and said it was fine for George to have the hall. He had gone ahead and booked it, without me knowing a thing.”
