D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh takes on Maccabi GB community fun run to raise money for AJEX
The 101- year old will undertake the 1k route accompanied by supporters in his wheelchair on Sunday 21 June
101 year old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh will take part in next week’s Maccabi GB Community Fun Run to raise funds for AJEX, with the organisation’s chair saying he embodies everything the charity stands for.
Kersh has often spoken about the importance of remembrance within Jewish life, describing it as “a mitzvah to remember”. In recent interviews marking D-Day commemorations, he also reflected on experiencing antisemitism growing up in Britain and the importance of continuing to stand proudly as Jews and challenge hatred wherever it appears.
Now, at 101 years old, he is once again stepping forward this time at the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run, in support of AJEX and its work preserving the legacy of Jewish servicemen and women.
Alongside thousands of other participants who have chosen to take part in the largest Jewish communal event in the UK, with 5k and 10k routes also available, he will be assisted around the 1k circuit in his wheelchair by supporters,
The centenarian veteran said: “It’s really good to do things for the first time, even when you are 101 years old!”
Kersh landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day as part of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and went on to serve through the liberation of France, Belgium and the Netherlands before reaching Germany towards the end of the war. He was also stationed near Bergen-Belsen following its liberation by British troops.
One of the last surviving Jewish D-Day veterans, he has dedicated decades to ensuring the stories and sacrifices of his generation are never forgotten. Awarded France’s Legion d’Honneur for his wartime service, he continues to speak to schools and community groups across the country about the importance of remembrance, resilience and standing up against hatred.
AJEX chief executive Fiona Palmer said: “Mervyn embodies everything AJEX stands for: remembrance, education, welfare and support for our veteran community. To see his positivity in taking part in the Community Fun Run at 101 years old, just weeks after the 81st anniversary of D-Day, is truly inspirational. We are incredibly proud to be taking part in the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run for the first time and look forward to seeing members of the community come together to support AJEX, take part in the event and visit our stand on the day.”
Supporters are being encouraged to sponsor Mervyn here:
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