A sponsored walk from Largs War Memorial to the Pencil is taking place in June, and groups and organisations are being urged to take part.

Over 1000 visitors from all around Ayrshire are expected to visit, and participate in a special day of activities to support SSAFA - a charity which provides lifelong support for the Forces and their families. Half of all money raised by you will go to SSAFA and half to the organisation of your choice.

Sponsor forms are available by emailing SSAFARobertWright@outlook.com or by phoning 07812 371420.

SSAFA - Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association hope local groups will get involved in the full day programme on Saturday 6 June which will include the sponsored walk, a low level fly past of an Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannett, and a gazebo village to promote the work of SSAFA and the armed forces at Broomfields (May Street).

The Scots Guard from Redford Barracks,and PoppyScotland, and Soldiers Off The Street charities will all be represented on the day. And Largs Boys Brigade Band will be leading the way during the sponsored walk event which starts from the War Memorial at 11.30am.

Politicians invited to attend include MP Katy Clark, MSP Kenneth Gibson, North Ayrshire Provost Joan Sturgeon, and councillors from across the district. The Royal British Legion Riders branch will also have a display, and Alastair Kennedy, President of the Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston branch of the British Legion, is also helping in providing support for the event.

There will be plenty of family fun and activities including facepainting, jewellery, stalls, and crafters. A range of other groups will be in attendance including The Samaritans. JS Montgomery from Beith will be bringing his sit-on lawnmowers to Broomfields, and there will also be a birds of prey display.

Robert Wright, volunteer fundraiser for SSAFA said: “The sponsored walk on Largs prom will be the only opportunity for all the organisations to parade together ,military and civilian, boys and girls. A whole range of events are also planned. As well as the WW2 re-enactment display, there will also be arts and crafts and facepainting.

“We selected a mile walk because it means that no matter what age you are, you can take part.

“2015 is a year of awareness of who SSAFA stand for -we are trying to get across that we are the oldest and largest military charity but the work goes unnoticed as we do it silently in the background. We are here to provide financial support, if necessary, and general assistance to army veterans who may be suffering from combat stress in a range of different ways, it is important to point out that army veterans can be of any age from 18 and upwards, not just 70.” SSAFA’s wider mission is to provide lifelong support to those who serve in the Armed Forces and their families.

“We selected Largs because of the long promenade, between two famous monuments - the Largs War Memorial and the Pencil, and then it is a short walk back to Broomfields for a busy day of activities.” A drumhead service will take place at 11am at Largs War Memorial in respect of the war dead at 11am at the War Memorial before the sponsored walk gets underway. Last year alone, the charity provided support and assistance to 5000 veterans and their families in Scotland.

Robert said the Ayrshire branch, based at 10 Adayre Road, Prestwick, covers the forces and their familes along the whole west coast from ‘Stranraer to Skelmorlie’. Their needs are centred around help with the home , accommodation, homelessness, and debt, often compounded by mental health issues.

The overall day, entitled ‘Walk a Mile in their shoes’, in aid of SSAFA Lifelong support for our forces and families - is supported by NAC, Largs Events, the Scottish Parliament, Royal British Legion, Boys Brigade, RNLI, and many more.