Veterans assemble at the starting point.

18 Miles for Veterans! 'Steelback' Johnston & Friends Conquer March to Raise Much-Needed Funds for Veterans Support Group Ballymena.

Marching for a Mission: Veterans Raise £9,000 in 18-Mile Trek to Ballymena

In the quiet, damp hours of Saturday morning, November 1st, a determined group of military veterans and supporters gathered at the Templepatrick roundabout. Their goal: an arduous 18-mile sponsored march to the Ballymena Services Club to raise vital funds for the Veterans Support Group Ballymena (VSGB).

The effort proved a resounding success, raising an estimated £9,000 to support local veterans.

A New Challenge for a Great Cause

The march was the brainchild of Stephen Johnston, a veteran with 22 years of military service. Having fundraised for various national military charities in the past, Stephen wanted to focus his efforts closer to home.

“Being a member of the Veteran Support Group Ballymena, I knew firsthand the great work being done by the group,” Stephen explained. “I was looking for a new challenge and decided to organize this 18-mile march to support my fellow veterans.”

Grit and Determination

Stephen was joined by 25 participants, including VSGB members and local supporters. While some joined for sections of the route, many completed the entire 18-mile journey through challenging weather.

Among the standout participants was 78-year-old Ruby Rock, who refused to let the rain or fatigue stop her.

“It was a bit wet to begin with, but walking was much better once it dried up,” Ruby shared. “My legs and hips got a bit tired around the halfway point, and I did think about getting into one of the safety cars, but I decided to push on.”

After finishing the course, Ruby’s recovery was short-lived—after a hot bath and a quick nap, she headed straight to her evening shift as a bar steward at the Services Club.

Also marching was Philip “Barney” Gillespie, a veteran who lost his right leg in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2006. Barney noted the importance of showing up for the community: “I felt it was important to show support to the marchers and do my bit for a very good cause.”

A Hero’s Welcome

As the group reached the finish line, they were piped home by Duane Johnston, who played the bagpipes after completing the full 18-mile trek himself. The weary marchers were rewarded with a traditional Ulster fry, served during the VSGB’s monthly veterans’ breakfast.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, who met with the participants to offer his congratulations.

Supporting Our Local Veterans

Independent Councillor Lawrie Philpott, Chairperson of the VSGB, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming community support.

“This was a very difficult physical and mental challenge,” said Cllr Philpott. “We are extremely thankful to Stephen for organizing this and to everyone who raised much-needed funds. The veteran community has an important place in society and still has so much to offer.”

Get Involved

The Veterans Support Group Ballymena was established in January 2022 to provide social activities, support services, and a sense of connection for veterans in the surrounding area.

• Learn More: Visit vsgb.co.uk

• Connect: If you are a veteran looking for a like-minded group, the VSGB welcomes new members.