Veterans to set off from South Shields for weekend charity fundraising march through Sunderland to Seaham

Army veteran Trevor Gray (left) in the uniform of the Durham Light Infantry 1914-1918 along with fellow army veteran Kevin Merritt in a USA Airborne uniform from 1942-1945 who are walking from Seaham to South Shields to raise funds for the charity Veterans at Ease . Picture by FRANK REID

An Army veteran is set to lead a weekend fundraiser march from South Shields, through Sunderland city centre and ending in Seaham.

Trevor Gray is organising the fundraising initiative – which will see participants march around 25 miles in aid of the County Durham man’s Veterans at Ease charity.

He and others, including fellow veteran Kevin Merritt in Second World War US Army uniform, will march to raise funds for his organisation en route.

Participants will be meeting outside Kirkpatricks pub in South Shields at 10am on Saturday, before setting off along the mainly coastal route.

They will begin their route by marching down Ocean Road, past Marsden Grotto to Seaburn, before heading through Sunderland city centre and finishing in Seaham.

Mr Gray says all members of the public – provided they observe social distancing and are not at risk – are welcome to join the group and take part in their planned fundraiser event.

"The charity has been running for 10 years now, so this year marks a [milestone] anniversary for us,” he said this week.

"After the Remembrance events we were wondering if there was anything else we could do for the cause.

Army veteran Trevor Gray (left) in the uniform of the Durham Light Infantry 1914-1918 along with fellow army veteran Kevin Merritt (right) in USA Airborne uniform from 1942-1945 who are walking from Seaham to South Shields to raise funds for Veterans at Ease, with back up from Mike Gray (centre) former Royal Signals Regiment. Picture by FRANK REID

"On Saturday, I’ll be in full World War One Durham Light Infantry uniform, with a rifle. And then there’s another veteran, Kevin, who will be in full World War Two uniform as well.

"There will also be a couple of veterans’ families following behind with flags and banners.

"Hopefully we’ll be getting to Seaham at around teatime-ish.”

Mr Gray has urged veterans in the area to get in touch with his charity during the upcoming weeks and months.

Army veteran Trevor Gray in Durham Light Infantry uniform from 1914-1918 who is walking from Seaham to South Shields to raise funds for the charity Veterans at Ease. Picture by FRANK REID

Veterans at Ease, provides therapy and other forms of support to ex-armed forces members suffering with mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The organisation has charity shops in Whitley Bay and Gateshead, as well as a therapy centre. Mr Gray says he plans to open two further shops, one in South Shields and the other in Byker.

"This is mainly to make people aware our services are still there during Covid. We’re still here and we want to urge people who are alone at this time not to isolate themselves.

"If they do need help, we’re here to do our best.”

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