Hector Duff MM, OBE, TB, Leg.d’hon, who celebrated his 100th birthday last October, was invited to a ceremony at Government House, Onchan, Isle of Man where he was presented with his MBE, on behalf of H.M The Queen by the Lt. Governor Sir Richard Gozney. Members of Hector’s family were present and the evening ended with a celebratory dinner hosted by Sir Richard & Lady Gozney
Many, Many congratulations Hector an extremely well deserved honour.
SONT friend and supporter Darren Crook completed his challenge on Sunday morning and what a day it turned out to be. A 0500 start, 28.5km completed, 4 hours 39 mins of which 3 hours was running and the remainder was honouring the fallen, refuelling, stopping for photos, meeting folk and helping to set up Communion at Whaddon where the Padre and his small team prayed for them.
Cheered off by members of the Melksham Band of Brothers, friends and family, the three core runners have the following stats:
Combined Age: 152 years 7 months
Combined Shoe size: 27.5
Combined Service: 98 years 3 months
Combined Egg Banjo Consumption: Significant.
2 former Army Apprentices, 3 proud soldiers – 1 a Veteran, 2 still serving, 3 Air Engineers, 3 REME, 3 standing and respecting the fallen, whether it be on our watch or before us.
The route saw Darren pay his respects at: Melksham War Memorial, United Church, Baptist Church, Avon War Memorial, St Barnabas Beanacre, Whitley Reading Rooms, Christ’s Church Shaw, Atworth Memorial, Broughton Gifford Memorial, St Mary the Virgin Church Whaddon, Semington War Memorial at St George’s Church, Seend War Memorial at Holy Cross Seend, The Old Chapel Redstocks.
A quick change parade and then he was then on parade in the Sham before attending the Service at St Michael’s. A real Run of Remembrance.
Darren said “I’ve served 11999 days today. I know it’s a bit cheeky, but wouldn’t it be great to get to £6k by tomorrow…..50p per day of service and £210 for every km run (or waded!). Thank you 🙏
I can’t begin to tell you how much the messages have meant and even if you aren’t in a position to make a financial donation, please do leave a message in support of the Melksham Remembers Team and/or The Spirit of Normandy Trust: this has been about raising awareness as much as money and I know they will appreciate moral support as much as financial support.
