Businessman to run in the most southerly marathon and visit memorials.

FALKLAND Islanders are getting ready to welcome a Honiton charity to Port Stanley.

The Royal Air Force is flying Alan Rowe MBE, the founder of The Baton, to the Falklands – so he can take part in the most southerly marathon in the world.

The Baton, which promotes support for service personnel and their families, will be carried by Mr Rowe during the Stanley Marathon on March 20.

He will be accompanied by Commodore Tom Lowe RN, who has supported The Baton since its inception. After the marathon, Mr Rowe intends to run between as many memorials on the island as possible – in tribute to those who fought during the Falklands conflict.

Mr Rowe, who is president of Honiton Running Club, said: “These days the Falklands conflict is rarely discussed, but it should never be forgotten that 255 British service personnel died in the Falklands War.

“As important is that more than that figure, who were involved in the war, have taken their own lives since - as a result of the experience.

“The Baton’s presence in the Falklands is a mark of respect to all involved in the conflict and, hopefully, at the same time, reassuring the Falkland Islanders that they are in our thoughts as well.”

Mr Rowe added: “If anyone wants me to take a small memorial tribute down, I will do my best to see it gets there.”