Rae plaque donation facility available online

The John Rae Society can now accept donations online for the proposed memorial plaque in Westminster Abbey.

Donations can be sent via MyDonate by visiting the society’s website — www.johnraesociety.com.

Society president, Andrew Appleby, said: “This is not really all about raising cash. This is actually utterly to do with changing something, which transpired long decades ago — John Rae’s  proper right to recognition for his immense exploits, bravery and humanity.

“I sincerely hope that this will be a “Mending process”. I have already had a descendant of Lord Franklin’s expedition welcome this declaration. It was such a personal plea to be allowed to attend the ceremony on the 30th September.

“The good lady wished to express her gratitude that a society, in our intrepid explorer’s, name has been established. Maybe other descendants of Lord Franklin’s tragic exploit will feel the same. I do hope so.”

“Another wish is that this will initiate a conference to look at the circumstances equally and hopefully resolve a lasting rift, which we in Orkney feel should never have been.”