The Darwen Dashers Running Club has proudly adopted the war grave of Thomas Orrell.

Thomas served in WWI at Gallipoli, where he suffered a serious head injury that resulted in a long stay in hospital. He later volunteered again during WWII and served with the RAF. Thomas passed away in an RAF hospital and was buried in Darwen Cemetery in 1944.

He was married to Marion, who was laid to rest alongside him in 1964. As the couple had no children, the grave had sadly gone unattended for many years.

The Darwen Dashers have since adopted the grave so FODC can work to restore and care for the site, including clearing the area, laying protective covering and wood chippings, and ensuring the grave is respectfully maintained.

Special thanks to Brian Tull and Alex Sudell for donating the stone chippings, and to Sharon Dooling and family for creating and donating the beautiful memorial poppy display.

An article on Thomas Orrell’s passing was also published in the Darwen News.