Soldier's 100-mile trek for Airborne Forces statue

A soldier has completed a 100-mile (160km) walk to raise money for a statue to mark the UK Airborne Forces Brigade being based in Colchester for more than 25 years.

L/Cpl Mackenzie Delaney set off from Aldershot on Monday and arrived at Colchester Garrison at 12:00 GMT on Wednesday, raising £2,000 towards the cost of a bronze life-sized statue of a modern-day paratrooper.

She was greeted by a soldier at Garrison Gateway in Colchester, where the statue will be erected in the summer.

The UK's only rapid reaction force, 16 Air Assault Brigade, has been based at Colchester since 2000 after the brigade moved from Aldershot, its previous home for 50 years.

L/Cpl Delaney, who serves with the Royal Signals, said she decided to fundraise for the statue as the parachute regiment had "always been part of my life due to my [late] dad, Des Low, serving in the regiment.

"I didn't just walk 100 miles, I walked through pain, mentally and physically, fatigue, and every reason to quit and kept going for my dad," she said.

She added: "I wanted to give back to the community that were there for my family when it was needed the most."

The 12ft (3.65m) bronze sculpture of a paratrooper will cost £200,000 and so far, £180,000 has been raised.

It is being sculpted by Amy Goodman who has also made sculptures of the late Queen Elizabeth.

It was originally proposed it be erected in Abbey Fields but planning issues meant the location needed to be changed, a garrison spokesman said.

Instead, it will be placed in a green space at the edge of the garrison, located between Circular Road North and Flagstaff Road.

"This dedication will see the statue being gifted to the city and people of Colchester who enjoy a special community partnership as a military garrison city," the spokesman said.

"The chosen location is a carefully selected open public space to ensure access for all, act as a focal point and contribution to the rich history dating back to the Roman era."

The statue's official unveiling is set to take place on 31 July.

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