Rain can’t dampen spirits at Leighton Linslade's VJ Day Peace Marathon

The baton containing the names of the men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Second World War started its journey at 11am on Saturday from the Leighton Buzzard War Memorial after the playing of the Last Post and it fell to Andrew Selous MP, David Bowater Town Mayor, Farzana Kharawala Deputy Mayor and Simon Marshall Rotary President to ensure the safe keeping of the baton on the first two-and-a-half miles of its journey around the local area.

The task of keeping the marathon going then fell to a wide variety of individuals representing local charities and organisations and Rotary would like to say a huge thank to all of them – MK Dons SET, OMM Solicitors, Town Mayor’s Charities, Dogs 4 Good, MS Society, Buzzards Inclusive FC, Navel Cadet Corps, Leighton Buzzard Hockey Club, Guides, Bedfordshire Community Policing Team, Scouts, SSAFA, Veterans BC, Daniel Bingley Invictus Games athlete , Friends Within ( Mencap), Otters Swimming Club.

It fell to multi-Invictus Games medallist and veteran Daniel Bingley to bring the baton home, completing the last leg to the war memorial ably assisted by veterans Andy Milne and Bob Gair, where the baton was received by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Sue Lousada DL and chairman of the British Legion Mark Freeman.

As the day drew to a close Mr Freeman read the 76 names from the scroll which had been held inside the baton as it toured the area, this was followed by Arron Lansbury of Heath Band played the traditional end of day music “Sunset” drawing to an end a memorable nine hours of physical endeavour in memory of some very brave men.

At the time of writing the final outcome in terms of donations is unknown, however early indications are that in excess of £2,500 has been raised to support local charities.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade. Rotary Club president Simon Marshall, himself a veteran, said: “Rotary is all about action in the community and as we chart a course through these unprecedented times it was a real challenge to construct an event to both honour the sacrifice of a special generation and also to highlight again the tremendous depth and variety of community organisations we have in our very special town.

“As events were cancelled all around us I wish to say a personal thank you to Leighton Linslade Town Council and Bedfordshire Community Policing Team, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Sue Lousada DL and our local MP Andrew Selous for having faith in what we set out to achieve and for their unstinting support.

“A special mention also to all the organisations and charities who came together to form a informal Rotary Community Corps without whom the event would not have been possible, and finally to the people of Leighton- Linslade who as ever have supported us, we hope you are proud that our town has been able to hold such an event in these challenging circumstances.”

> What did you think of the event? Email [email protected]> More photos in tomorrow's LBO.

The Fallen of Leighton-Linslade & Heath & Reach 1939-1945:

Spr F.G. Badcock

Pte H.R. Baines

Gnr R.G. Bastin

Pte G.H. Billingham

Capt R.W. Butler

Gnr A.J. Cooper

Pte A.J. Clark

Gnr H.T. Clayton

Ab A.V. Creighton

Stoker P. Davies

Cpl W.J. Dell

Sgt R.H. Dennison

Ab C.C Eggleton

Sgt Ob R.L. Pitsell

Sgt C.S. Flemming

Sgt F.J. Foster

Ac1 W.G. Garner

Adjt S.A.E. Gaskin

Bdr K. Gilbert

Cpl E.H. Gill

Surg Lt. S.W. Pratt

Marine V. Prudent

2Nd Lt. G.A. Rowe

Marine E.G. Sifleet

Cpl H.P. Sims

Pte K.E.D. Smith

P/O L.F. Stannard

Marine C.E. Stevens

Sgt W.C. Ward

Pte R. Washington

Driver C.J. West

Gnr S. Bray

L/Bdr W.J. Whitman

Gnr R.W.J. Woodland

Fusilier P.W. Wray

P/O A.C. Griffin

Pte F. Groves

Pte G.E. Hewitt

Pte S.T.J. Hyde

Cpn W.J. Jardine

Maj L.J. Jordan

Pte F.J. King

Ac1 W.J. King

Pte W.J. Lancaster

L/Sgt H.J. Law

Pte W.H. Lee

L/C F. Linney

Pte P.C. Marks

Pte A.H. Morris

P/O C.T. Morse

L/Bdr K. Olney

Bdr F.G. Jeffs

A/P/O C. Main D.S.M. R.N.

Gnr N. Missenden

Gnr J. Proctor

F/Lt K.D. Faulkner D.F.C.

Marine D. Griffin

Drv G. Gibbins

Bdr S. Hart

Dvr K. Rayner

Tpr K.J. Sayell

Sgt H. Smith

L/Bdr H. Williams

Gnr K. Bailey

Gnr F. Compton

Pte G. Dorsett

Dvr W. Dyer

Sgt/Pilot J.J. O’Brien Heady

Gnr B. Hedges

L/Cpl P.S. Humphries

L/Sgt D. Horne

J. Bond

W.J. Hack

F.D. Puddephat

F.J. Stone

J. Whiting