Military veteran to raise more money for charity by sleeping out on the Wirral Way

A military veteran and fundraiser is setting out to raise more money for charity by sleeping out on the Wirral Way over the May Bank Holiday.

Mobility scooter user Freddie Wing, 62, from Ellesmere Port is hoping passers-by will be generous in supporting his Royal British Legion good cause.

During his 15 years in the army Freddie visited places including Canada, Iceland and the German capital city Berlin

Nowadays he is a big fan of the RBL in Little Sutton where, he says, everyone is “very helpful and treats me with respect”.

Freddie, of Sutton Way in Great Sutton, recently raised more than £300 by taking part in a Great Tommy Sleep Out fundraising challenge, bearing in mind an estimated 6,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in the UK. On that occasion he was wished well by Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston.

He slept out for three nights on the green near Tennyson Road, Ellesmere Port and followed up with a night at the RBL in Little Sutton.

His latest challenge starts at around 2.30pm on Friday in Heath Lane, Little Sutton and he will hopefully be given a police escort across Welsh Road where he will join the Wirral Way. He will then make his way to the Boathouse pub at Parkgate where he will be provided with a meal and will be able to charge his mobility scooter.

On Saturday morning he will leave where he pitched his tent to collect his scooter from the Boathouse and will then make his way to West Kirby. Having reached that point, he will turn round and will make his way to Heswall RBL where he will pitch his tent and recharge his vehicle.

At about 11am on Sunday Freddie will make his way to Thurstaston Visitor Centre where he will be able to use bathroom facilities and again recharge his scooter. It is a big day at the centre where a football tournament has been planned, so Freddie, who aims to be wearing military clothing, is hoping to meet many people. He will pitch his tent there for an overnight stay.

On Bank Holiday Monday Freddie will be aiming for a meet-up with supporters at the RBL at Little Sutton after arranging to cross the Welsh Road again safely.

He has already gathered more than £160 on a visit to the shops at Cheshire Oaks.                          

Looking ahead, Freddie is also planning to take part in 80^th year D-Day Landings celebrations on Thursday, June 6th.

Pictured - Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders and Councillor Peter Wheeler both wish Freddie Wing (centre) well with his fundraising initiative.