Bolton schoolfriends' epic journey to pay tribute to those who died in the Great War
Four childhood friends are undertaking an epic journey to visit the war graves of fallen soldiers from their school.
Colin Higham, Kevan Ball and Rob Taylor will cycle 634 miles along the Western Front Way next month, with Russell Jones providing support.
The trail follows the historic frontline of the First World War, from the French-Swiss border to the beaches of Belgium.
The quartet, who will all turn 65 this year, met when they were schoolboys at Rivington and Blackrod School, and will visit the graves of 16 of the 24 young men from their old school who died during the war.
Colin Higham was struck by the idea after reading The Path of Peace: Walking the Western Front Way by Anthony Seldon.
He said: "I had read this book and we were all sat there saying what are we going to do now we are retiring.
"I had started cycling again with a local group, and was also involved in the school again, having been to the chapel for a service and seeing the names of the fallen soldiers in the stained glass windows.
The window at the Rivington and Blackrod High School Chapel (Image: Public) "So we were chatting and ended up saying why don't we walk the route, then why not cycle it.
"The lads involved have stayed in touch for many years, and they said let's do it. Every few years we get together."
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They will leave home on June 2, before beginning the ride in Basel on June 4.
The quartet are also raising money for three charities - the Royal British Legion, Children in Need and St Ann's Hospice. To donate, click here: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alan-parkinson
The route map (Image: Public) Colin added: "I think we are looking at about 10 to 12 days, doing 60 miles a day.
"We have found the fallen soldiers' graves and memorials and we intend to visit them and photograph it.
"We are also going to get the children at the school involved, they will be able to track us on a daily basis and we can send photographs.
"The graves are in historical PNS/JNS and we are quite excited about it."
For more information on the Western Front Way, visit the Western Front Association's website: https://www.westernfrontassociation.com/
Kevan Ball said: "This challenge is about more than just a cycle ride. It's a journey of remembrance, honouring the memory of local heroes and supporting vital charitable causes that continue to make a difference in our community."
Vicki Walmsley, Headmistress at Rivington and Blackrod High School, said: 'I am proud to support these ex-pupils undertaking this phenomenal cycle challenge, demonstrating the same courage and resilience as the brave Rivingtonians who made the ultimate sacrifice in WW1.
"The selfless efforts these lads are making, for the benefit of great causes, demonstrates the values that we have always aspired to at Rivington and Blackrod School for more than a hundred years and continue to strive for today.'
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