An Accrington man is gearing up to trek 54 miles in 24 hours in Scotland’s most gruelling endurance challenge.

Ryan Freeston, 35, is a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Army Medical Corps and is is raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) Soldiers’ Charity Cateran Yomp.

The Cateran Yomp challenges teams of soldiers and veterans to battle through the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains.

Determined to support soldiers, veterans and their families, Ryan and his team, 29 Squadron, as well as hundreds of other Yompers will gather in the rural Perthshire countryside wilderness on June 3 to take on the 54 miles.

Lancashire Telegraph: Staff Sergeant, Ryan FreestonStaff Sergeant, Ryan Freeston (Image: Ryan Freeston)

Ryan said: “I was diagnosed with complex PTSD in January last year which came as a shock. Anyone who’s had this can testify how crippling it is.

“I’ve lived with this for 15 years before being diagnosed and it’s led to some very poor life choices! I have suffered and my family and loved ones have suffered due to the realities of war.

“I consider myself lucky that this was the only thing I come back with, I’m lucky because I actually came back to my family.

“So this year myself and a team from my Squadron will be taking part in the Cateran Yomp, it’s 54 miles in less than 24 hours in Scotland but more like 58 miles after slopes and gradients.

“I will be doing this for the Army Benevolent Fund, a charity who supports the Armed Forces and their families who are in bad situations.

“We sacrifice seeing our children grow up, we sacrifice stability with the constant moving around, families sacrifice their security network and support to be with their partners.

“It’s an amazing life but equally a hard one. The biggest thing of all is that we put our physical health, mental health and life on the line for this country.

“That why helping people in the Armed Forces means so much to me, we go up and beyond for this country.

“It’s going to be tough but it will raise vital funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Army's National Charity, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families.”

To donate to Ryan’s fundraiser, click here.