A group of retired Tayside firefighters are due to set off on a hiking trip to Germany next week to raise funds for charity.
The group of seven ex-firefighters have been raising funds over the last 12 months to support cancer charities and this year they are raising cash for Maggie’s Centre Dundee, the Bone Cancer Research Trust and the Firefighters’ Charity.
The group will also be commemorating their family, friends and fellow Dundonians who gave their lives for their country’s struggle during two world wars.
Group spokesman Jim Malone said: “Next week we will be walking 100 miles at points between Normandy and Germany, this is again to raise funds for cancer charities.
“Last year we, the retired firefighters, decided to make a positive contribution in the fight against cancer.
“Our ex-colleague Doug Gall had developed the disease and we took on Hadrian’s Wall in September last year, we raised over £3,000 for Maggies and the Bobby Robson Foundation.
“Doug worked in a fire safety role in Newcastle hence the link. We then held a fundraising dance in June this year to raise funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust and Maggies, we raised £1,000 on the night.
“The Highland Division Hike was planned as homage to the fallen from both world wars. Three of our fathers fought with the division in the Second World War, Doug’s father actually escaped the surrender of the division at St Valery en Caux in June 1940.
“We will visit sites of battle and remembrance during our charity hike, places where Dundee’s own fought and died in the fight against militarism and fascism.
“They include St Valery, Normandy, Loos, Aubers Ridge, Ypres, Brussels, Tilburg, Arnhem, Kleve and Goch, where my father fought and was wounded in February 1945.
“We depart on September 22 and return on October 3.”