Geordie philanthropist and founder of the Daft as a Brush cancer charity Brian Burnie led an epic 24-mile Sunderland to Newcastle walk to mark VJ (Victory of Japan) day and honour the memory of his "great friend" Len Gibson.
Remarkable Sunderland war veteran Len, who was awarded the British Empire Medal, died last year at the age of 101 - after years spent promoting remembrance of World War 2 - and in particular the sacrifices of those who fought in East Asia like himself.
He survived a stint as a Prisoner of War at Japanese hands and was put to work on the notorious Burma Railway. This year, after Len's death, Brian wanted to ensure a hefty turnout in his honour.
Read more: Sunderland prisoner of war veteran Len Gibson who survived Burma Railway dies aged 101
He led a walk from Sunderland to Newcastle that passed through South Shields before crossing the Tyne at Gateshead. There were military flypasts and a piper led the walk for its final mile to Newcastle's cenotaph. Dignitaries and representatives from HMS Calliope were among those joining the march - which ended at St Thomas' Church around 5pm.
Charity figure Brian said: "I had known Len for over thirty years during the time I used to live at Doxford Hall. In recent years he would be at the cenotaph on his own, looking at this today it's 100 times bigger. He would be looking down on us saying 'thank you'."
Speaking at a short service in South Shields during the walk, he added it had been "wonderful so far", and said: "It's wonderful that we've achieved this. Those in Burma were known as the forgotten army and even today if you say VJ Day - it's not like VE Day - they don't know what you're on about."
Brian added: "Len's passing last year was terribly sad. I’ve said it before, he is the greatest gentleman I’ve ever met. This Memorial Walk is to remember Len and all the Far East Prisoners of War." He said the walk was about bringing communities together - and he welcomed hundreds who had joined them - even just for a mile or two.
"Len was the greatest gentleman I have ever met and after he came home, he spent his life giving back to others. This walk celebrates him and others like him by bringing the North East together,” Brian said.
Daft as a Brush is a charity which provides transport to and from hospital in Newcastle for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
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