2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on 15 August.

Geordie philanthropist, Brian Burnie, has organised an epic walk from Newcastle to Sunderland to mark VJ Day and honour all Far East PoW’s and the memory of his “great friend” Mr Len Gibson – Join us on the 80th anniversary, on Friday 15th August 2025.

The memorial walk will start in Newcastle City Centre (TBA) and travel 21.6 miles through South Tyneside, Gateshead ending in Sunderland Cenotaph, honouring Far East PoW’s and Sunderland war hero Len Gibson. At 11am, there will be a special service and the unveilling of a very special staue.  Mr Gibson supported the cancer charity, Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, who named one of their Ambulances in his honour ‘Len Guitar Gibson’. The anniversary of Japan’s surrender marks the end of World War II. Working on the infamous Burma Railway, only a fraction of the Far East PoW’s survived starvation, torture and Malaria.

The free event, which is open to everyone, will begin with a short service with military piper and bugler. Charity volunteers, supporters, 80 year old Brian Burnie will be among the lead party (Itinerary to follow).

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