The memory of a Macclesfield teenager was honoured by a sponsored walk of a World War I route, The Somme. 

To honour Max Morrison (17), Cheshire Roll of Honour's Stephen Benson, Max's brother Vincent Morrison, and David Brown, from the Royal British Legion, walked 27.13 miles to raise money for charity.

Former Fallibroome Academy pupil Max lost his battle with leukaemia in May 2019, just a few months prior, he went on the same historic war walk now followed by the fundraising trio. 

The walk took place on July 7 2022 and resulted in crowdfunded donations of £3,945. 

The late Max Morrison on the same excursion at the Thiepval Memorial, France in 2018. He posed with a picture of fellow 16 year old Frank Steer, who was killed during World War I. (Image - Stephen Benson)

Macclesfield Nub News checked in with Stephen a month after his walk to get comments on his experience. 

"It was very good, the weather was fantastic," Stephen revealed.

"I am grateful, delighted and humbled by donations, I want to thank them all." 

Their original target was £1,500 but they were swiftly able triple this figure to £3,945. 

Now, Max's younger brother Vincent has completed the walk, this time, posing at the same spot and a photo of his sibling there four years before. (Image - Stephen Benson)

The money will be split equally between the Teenage Cancer Trust, Walking for the Wounded and The Lochnagar Crater Foundation. 

A further £500 was privately donated to Teenage Cancer Trust outside of the JustGiving page, taking the total way past £4000.

"I am absolutely delighted that in these hard times we've tripled our target, it's fantastic," Stephen added. 

The walk began at around 7:30 in the morning and took them approximately 11 hours to complete. 

Along their walk they visited landmarks such as the Thiepval Memorial, where Max and Stephen previously presented information about a 16 year old solider from Wallasey who was killed in action on the 7th July 1916, which they planned their walk on. 

"I am very grateful to the workmen at Thiepval memorial because when we arrived it was closed," Stephen explained. 

'However, when they heard the story they took us in and allowed Vincent to have a photo exactly where his brother stood." 

The donations made will have important impacts and create change for individuals and communities. 

Macclesfield: Fallibroome Academy pupil Vincent pays respects (right) with David (left) and Stephen (centre). (Image - Stephen Benson)

"Every £1000 could give one solider 12 counselling sessions or can help get them back into workplaces," Stephen said. 

"It can also help make places more accessible for disabled soldiers."

The reaction from Max's family has been very supportive and positive. 

"They are delighted, both his mum and Dad over the moon for money raised and for what Vincent has achieved.

Exhausting smiles at the finish of the 27-mile trek. (Image - Number 56 Bed and Breakfast)

"Thank you to everyone for your support." 

Max Morrison was a history and music loving teenager from Macclesfield, you can find more about him here and here.

Max's Macclesfield brother Vincent will now get his GCSE results, before deciding what to do with his future.

Stephen and David will now prepare for Remembrance Day later this year.

72,000 bodies which were never found or identified are honoured at The Thiepval Memorial, a key stop on Stephen and Vincent's walk. (Image - CC 2.0 Unchanged bit.ly/3HFltIY Chris Hartford from London UK)

You can watch a video of the trio at the finish line of the walk by clicking here, kindly filmed by their accommodation.

Macclesfield: Read our previous article with more information on Stephen, Max and World War I history by clicking here.

See Also: UP CLOSE: The Macclesfield family behind gin and whisky brand Forest Distillery 

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