A DUNFERMLINE volunteer will retrace the steps along Western Front during the First World War in a bid to raise money for soldiers.

Christine Evans, 59, of St Margarets Well, has raised money for military charities for many years. Now, she is hiking 100km over three days to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which gives lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families.

The Frontline Walk will mark the 100th anniversary of the first battle of Ypres and is a unique and poignant challenge which will take Christine along the Western Front, starting at the Lochnagar Crater in the Somme region of France and finishing at the Menin Gate in Belgium.

“It has been an ambition of mine to visit the WWI sites and, as I celebrate my 60th birthday at the end of October, I decided to mark it in a special way and raise funds for an amazing charity at the same time,” she said. “I’ve never been before and I’ve always wanted to go, so I thought it would give me a bit of a challenge!

“I like walking anyway and I’ve done a few longer distances over the past few weeks, so hopefully I’ll be fine!”

After leaving Dunfermline on October 6, Christine will meet the rest of the group in London before travelling to France the following day, ready for a few days of long walks and thoughts of contemplation. When they finally arrive at the Menin Gate, the walkers will hear the Last Post Ceremony, a moving event which has become part of daily life in Ypres to mark the courage and self-sacrifice of those who fell in the defence of the town.

Christine hopes to raise £1200 and Cafė Fresh in Dunfermline has been selling her home made tablets for a donation. She has already raised over £700 and is hoping that more sponsors can help her achieve her goal.

To donate, visit http://fundraising.soldierscharity.org/milestonewalk