08 Aug Walk With a War Hero

Help a 103-Year-Old War Hero Give Back to the Charity That Brought Him Home

Meet John Gomer Morris: A WWII Hero at 103

John Gomer Morris is no ordinary man – he’s a 103-year-old World War II veteran and the last surviving member of the Raiding Support Regiment (RSR). This elite unit was formed in 1943 to support British Special Forces (the SAS) on some of the most dangerous missions of the war. John joined the British Army at age 17 and fought as an anti-aircraft gunner in the Battle of Britain. He later took part in the liberation of Europe, including fierce battles in Italy (such as Monte Cassino) and across Yugoslavia. After the war, he continued to serve in the Army reserves, embodying a lifetime of service and adventure.

Today, John lives at the Royal Hospital Chelsea – home of the legendary Chelsea Pensioners – where he is proudly the oldest resident. Dressed in the iconic scarlet coat of a Chelsea Pensioner, John carries not just his WWII medals, but also a spirit of resilience and camaraderie earned over a century of living history.

From Hard Times to Homecoming: Pilgrim Bandits to the Rescue

Even a war hero can face hard times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while John was living in Australia, his circumstances became difficult. At 98 years old, he dreamed of coming back home to the UK to live among fellow veterans at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Making that 9,000-mile journey in his late 90s was a daunting challenge – but it became possible thanks to the charity Pilgrim Bandits.

Pilgrim Bandits, a UK veterans’ charity founded by former Special Forces members, stepped in to help. In 2021 they launched a campaign to bring John home. Donations poured in, raising enough to cover John’s travel from Australia and even temporary accommodation during his application to become a Chelsea Pensioner. “The charity Pilgrim Bandits were instrumental in getting me a flight to England so I could become a Chelsea Pensioner,” John said gratefully. Thanks to this incredible effort, John safely returned to Britain and took his rightful place among the Chelsea Pensioners – just in time for his 100th Christmas back home.

Now, John wants to give back to the charity that changed his life. To say thank you, he’s lacing up his boots for one more adventure at age 103 – a fundraising walk to support Pilgrim Bandits, the very charity that helped bring him home and continues to support him through friendship and activities.

(Let’s join John on this journey – in person, in spirit, or by contributing to his cause.)

John’s London Charity Walk – Saturday, 16th August 2025

On Saturday 16th August 2025, John Gomer Morris will embark on a heartfelt walking tour through London, revisiting some of the landmarks that shaped his life and military career. Starting from The Sicily Restaurant in Victoria, his route will wind through the historic heart of London – joined by some of our team who are proud to walk alongside him in support. Along the way, John’s walk will include iconic sites such as:

• Buckingham Palace – the London residence of the monarch he served under during WWII.

• The Mall – the grand ceremonial route, sure to bring back memories of wartime parades and celebrations.

• Horse Guards Parade – grounds of military ceremonies and Trooping the Colour, symbolic of John’s service.

• Whitehall & The Cenotaph – Britain’s national war memorial, where John can pay respects to fallen comrades.

• 10 Downing Street – the seat of leadership during the war, a reminder of the decisions that shaped history.

• The Houses of Parliament – symbol of the democracy he fought to defend.

• Westminster Abbey – the historic church that has witnessed generations of heroes.

• And finally, a well-earned rest and celebratory drink at the Chelsea Pensioners Club at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

John won’t walk alone – he’ll be supported every step of the way by volunteers from Pilgrim Bandits, fellow Chelsea Pensioners in their scarlet uniforms, and (hopefully) you. Everyone is invited to cheer him on along the route. If you’re in London and would like to walk alongside this inspirational centenarian veteran, you can join John’s walk – please email sarah@pilgrimbandits.org for details on timing and meetup points. (Note: In case of rain on the day, the route or schedule may be adjusted for safety.)

Why Donate? Supporting Veterans “Beyond Limits”

This special event isn’t just a walk down memory lane – it’s a mission to raise funds for Pilgrim Bandits so they can continue their vital work with veterans. Why donate to Pilgrim Bandits? Because this charity refuses to let injury, disability or age define what’s possible for our heroes. They specialise in supporting injured and struggling veterans, often through adventurous challenges and peer mentorship that rebuild confidence and comradeship. From adaptive physical activities (like kayaking expeditions and mountain climbs) to emotional support and community, Pilgrim Bandits helps veterans push beyond their limits and live life to the fullest – just as John is doing at 103.

By donating, you’re not just helping John say “thank you” – you’re directly supporting other veterans facing adversity. Every donation will go toward empowering ex-servicemen and women to overcome hardships, whether physical wounds or psychological struggles, and will encourage them to keep striving for new adventures. In John’s case, the charity’s support means he is surrounded by fellow soldiers and friends, staying active and engaged despite his age. Your contribution will ensure Pilgrim Bandits can extend that same helping hand to more veterans, young and old.

Walk With John – In Person or In Spirit

John Gomer Morris’s story is a poignant reminder of the brotherhood and resilience that define our veterans. Even after a century of service and sacrifice, John is not done inspiring us. In fact, he’s following in the footsteps of fellow centenarian Captain Sir Tom Moore – the WWII veteran who famously walked to raise nearly £33 million for NHS charities during the pandemic – proving that the drive to make a difference has no age limit. His upcoming London walk is a celebration of gratitude – a 103-year-old war hero giving back to those who never gave up on him.

Now it’s our turn to step up. Whether you walk alongside John on August 16th, cheer him on from afar, or chip in a donation to Pilgrim Bandits, you’ll be honoring a remarkable legacy. Together, we can make sure that veterans like John continue to live with dignity, adventure, and the knowledge that they’ll never be left behind.

Let’s help John give back. Join the journey in any way you can – and be part of this incredible tribute to a life of service, resilience, and hope for all veterans.