AN army veteran is set to take on a gruelling charity challenge in support of ex-military personnel and their families this Christmas.

Craig Roxby, who lives in Blackburn, will be walking nearly 60 miles to raise money as part of Walking With The Wounded’s Christmas campaign, 'Walking Home For Christmas'.

Craig will set off from Blackburn on December 16, walking along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, tackling the distance in three sections.

First, he will walk 23 miles from Blackburn to Brierfield then a further 22 miles from Burnley to Skipton before embarking on the final 14.3 miles from Skipton to Appletreewick.

Craig has chosen to take on the challenge to raise vital funds and support for those who have served their country.

He said: "I spent 33-years in the Royal Regiment of Artillery before leaving in 2020. I also did 27 years in the Regulars and six years in the Army Reserves.

"I know how hard it can be when people leave the Armed Forces and especially when they have a myriad of mental health problems with nobody to turn to.

"I am taking part in Walking Home For Christmas to give something back to those less able and fortunate than myself."

Walking Home for Christmas is an annual fundraising campaign for Walking With The Wounded, a charity that provides mental health, employment, care coordination and volunteering opportunities for vulnerable veterans.

The campaign encourages anyone, from any walk of life, to register and fundraise by undertaking a walk to support veterans.

New research commissioned by Walking With The Wounded found that Britons are still suffering with their mental health caused by restrictions during the pandemic - so particular emphasis is being put on mental health support this year.

Four out of five people surveyed by the charity said that they still suffer from the effects on their mental health.

On a national scale, that number equates to potentially over 53 million adults, despite lockdown restrictions being lifted at present.

The campaign invites anyone to register for free, receive a branded Santa hat and do a sponsored walk home, somewhere important to them anytime between December 10 to December 20.

Visit www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com for more details.