A keen motorcyclist is setting off on a fundraising trip to the Normandy beaches tomorrow in memory of his father who landed there on D-Day 64 years ago to the day.
Phil Hipkiss, from Asterley, is making the journey in his dad’s memory to mark the anniversary of the invasion on June 6, 1944, and is raising money for our Lingen Davies Cancer Centre Appeal at the same time.
He made the trip in 1988 with his late father, Sam Hipkiss, who was a sergeant with the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry during the landings. Phil said he wanted to go again in tribute to all those who fought for the country.
“I’m going on my motorbike to visit the graves again and look at the beaches over there. When I went with my dad we found the exact spot where he landed on the beach, it was fascinating going with him, we found a dug-out in the woods he actually slept in.”
Phil, manager of the Shropshire Education and Conference Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, is making the trip with a friend and said he was inspired to raise money for the cancer appeal at the same time.
“I’m looking for people who remember the sacrifice and commitment made to contribute to the appeal. It’s such a good local cause and everyone knows somebody who’s affected by cancer,” he added.
Louise Cliffe, from the appeal office, said: “I would like to thank Mr Hipkiss for his support and wish him all the best on his journey.”
To support Phil visit the website www.lingendavies.org. uk or contact the appeal office on 01743 492396.
•See page 22 of the Shrewsbury Chronicle, June 5, 2008, for more appeal news.