Member Article

New shoes for student from WW1 soldier’s company

A HISTORIC battle united the generations when retail chain Charles Clinkard said ‘thank you’ to a student who raised funds for modern day war heroes.

Durham University student Jordan Blunsom’s efforts in walking 950-miles to the Somme to raise cash for Walking with the Wounded resonated with the family footwear retailer which owes its very existence to the dark days of the same conflict.

So the company donated shoes to Jordan to replace the ones worn out on his epic journey.

In 1916 Charles Clinkard, the founder of the business, was badly injured fighting at the Somme with the Grenadier Guards. Charles received the silver war medal for the part he played in the battle.

He was honourably discharged and repatriated to England where he made a slow recovery. It was during his convalescence in the tough post-war years he became interested in providing quality footwear at affordable prices – and opened his first shop in Middlesbrough.

Now almost 100 years later his descendants still run the company – and they were delighted to invite Jordan along to their Middlesbrough store to pick out his new shoes.

That gave Jordan the chance to meet Colin Clinkard, son of founder Charles said: “My father Charles, like so many, fought and suffered at the Somme, and we were touched to hear about Jordan’s tribute to all those who died.

“Giving him a new pair of shoes is just a small gesture to recognise not only his excellent fundraising for such a worthy cause, but also the thoughtfulness he has shown in commemorating the huge sacrifice that was made.”

Last year Jordan, 22 - who coordinated and managed the planning of the walk himself - embarked on the mammoth trek from Durham University’s Palace Green Library.

Former soldier and current reservist Jordan said: “I’d like to thank Colin and everyone at Charles Clinkard for their very generous donation and for recognising my efforts.

“One of the best things was that I got to talk to Colin about Charles’ experience at the Somme. He even brought some of Charles’ medals and photographs along with him, which were really inspiring.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me throughout my journey and donated generously to the fantastic charity.

“The money is literally changing the lives of those who still, to this day, face the consequences of conflict and rely on charities such as Walking with the Wounded for essential support.”

Walking with the Wounded supports all veterans with physical, mental or social injury to gain the skills and qualifications necessary to develop new careers outside the military, re-integrate into society and provide long-term security for themselves and their families.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chloe Watson .