By Isle of Wight Observer
Former serviceman, George Cook, has been recognised for his remarkable fund-raising achievement – a 75-mile (120km) walk around the Isle of Wight in support of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
IW RBL President, Ian Ward, joined by representatives from Shanklin Town and Lake Parish Councils, presented George with a special award at a ceremony attended by members of the Shanklin RBL Branch.
The event coincided with the launch of the annual poppy appeal and also marked the 30th anniversary of Shanklin’s memorial to fire personnel killed during World War II. Mr Ward praised George’s efforts, saying: “It is important to remember the sacrifices made, and still being made, by service personnel across the generations, and the fund-raising efforts of George and the team, generating funds for those that need help.”
As part of the ceremony, copies of the films ‘Shanklin’s Darkest Hour’ and ‘Memorials in Shanklin’ were presented to branch representatives. Specially commissioned poppies were also given to Shanklin Mayor, Sara Sheath, and Lake’s Remembrance Day organiser, Cllr Julie Byford.
The IW Observer covered the start of George’s walk earlier this year. The commemorative films are available to view iw.observer/growing-up-in-the-bay.
