Retired Royal Navy Sub-Lieutenant to march from Hayling Island to Portsmouth in memory of friends
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A retired Royal Navy sub-lieutenant is conducting a long march in memory of his friends.
Mark Dawes, 65, is marking the 49th anniversary of joining the armed forces by walking from Hayling Island to Portsmouth. He’s raising vital funds for veterans mental health charity Combat Stress during the 10-mile trek.
Sub Lt Dawes said the challenge, taking place on March 8, is deeply personal to him. “I wanted to get involved because Combat Stress has helped some of my ex-service friends,” he said. “As this year marks 49 years since I joined the Royal Navy, I felt it was the right time to do something worthwhile that could genuinely help others.
“I’m also walking in remembrance of my good friend Mick Lamb, who sadly passed away a couple of years ago. We shared many memories in Portsmouth, and as I walk past some of those places, he’ll be very much in my thoughts. I’m also walking to remember another dear friend, Marc Wilkinson who was a veteran and friend of mine that Combat Stress helped.”
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity supporting veterans with complex mental health conditions. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. They provide specialist treatment for former military personnel that have been a part of every service. The organisation aided nearly 14,000 veterans last year.
Director of fundraising Robert Marsh said: “We are extremely grateful to Mark for his commitment and generosity. Demand for our services remains high, and every donation helps us reach veterans who urgently need support. Our specialist treatment doesn’t just change lives — it saves them.”
Sub Lt Dawes joined the Royal Navy in March 1977, becoming a commissioned officer in September 1986. His career was largely spent in Naval Air Commando Squadrons, operating primarily from the air station HMS Heron, and Landing Platform Dock HMS Bulwark. He hopes to gain as much support for the charity as he can.
He added: “If anyone would like to support my walk, even a small donation would mean a great deal. Every contribution helps veterans get the care and support they deserve.” You can make donations via Sub Lt Dawes’ fundraising page here.