Veteran runs in memory of fallen comrades

Philip Knight, of Conisbrough, aims to run at least 50 miles by November 11 after signing up to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Run.

He is passing several war memorials during of his challenge.  

The determined runner said: “En route, I’m be thinking of all those veterans that never returned fighting for our freedom, particularly local veterans and those from the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which recruited so many men from Yorkshire region.”

One such member of the KOYLI was Conisbrough’s Ronnie McGrath, who was killed in June 1944 in Normandy when he was aged just 17.

McGrath, alongside Cpl James H Coulson, who was also killed in Normandy, was in the same company as Philip’s grandad, Fred Adamson, who is now 102.

“The Poppy Appeal was founded to help those in need following a national crisis,” said Philip.

“Right now, they are helping those who are isolated from family, facing homelessness, struggling to feed their children and are in financial crisis.

“They are working tirelessly to ensure that those who have served are being looked after no matter what challenges they, and the country faces.”

Philip said he had clocked up 35 miles by this week and was on track to smash his target but added: “I will keep running right up to Remembrance Day. The more miles I can complete and the more money I raise the better.

“I have been mostly running around the area near where I live in Conisbrough, including visiting Conisbrough and Denaby’s memorials.”

Visit https://tinyurl.com/PhilipKnightPoppy to donate to Philip’s appeal page.