Former Paras trek 200 miles to pay tribute to fallen Falklands War heroes

FUNDRAISERS: Judith Hopkins, Alan Butcher (centre) and Keith Hopkins, collecting for Support our Paras at Morrison’s

A GROUP of former Paras will pay tribute to fallen Falklands War heroes with a marathon trek to the capital.

The walkers will attend the memorial service at Clifton Park for fallen soldier Sgt Ian McKay on Sunday, June 12, before setting off on a 200-mile route to London.

The 12-strong team will complete the distance in relay segments where smaller teams each walk ten miles a day before regrouping in the evening.

They aim to reach the headquarters of “B Company, 4th Para” in London by the Thursday evening.

Among them is 76-year-old Keith Hopkins, of Rawmarsh, who explained their mission was to raise as much as possible for Support our Paras.

“We will be walking ten miles evey day, starting after the service for Ian,” he added.

“I’ve been getting myself into gear with training walks to build up my mileage.”

Keith said he had been fond of Ian’s late mum Freda McKay, who officially presented a painting of her son — which had been funded by former members of “4 Para” to the Rotherham Territorial Army barracks.

He added: “She was always there for us whenever we needed her.”

The fundraisers have been collecting in supermarkets and garden centres in Rotherham ahead of their big walk.