I'm raising money for ABF The Soldiers' Charity who provide vital support to soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need. For Soldiers. For Life.

I'm using up some of my annual leave on one of my long treks; a 110 mile stroll from Winchester to Gloucester. I thought that I would see if you wanted once again to support a cause close to my heart. Veterans have suffered along with so many during the pandemic, but they are often slow to ask. I want to raise money to help them when they need it, and to raise awareness of the help that is there for them.

Just this week I learned of the untimely death of a very old friend and colleague through natural causes. Ray Washer was one of the best Royal Engineer combat engineers, and as a Staff Sergeant around a young and somewhat "over enthusiastic" young troop commander, Ray was an example and mentor. I'm taking this walk in his memory, with the support of his family, to celebrate a life of service to his country, his colleagues, and his family who loved him so much.

Please give as much as you can to support veterans who stood there for you, even when you didn't ask for it. They were young and bound by ideals of service and sacrifice to make things better, no matter the politics or the right and wrong; "they were soldiers". Some now need your help, even if they didn't ask for it. Please support them.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

My route will take me north west from Winchester on the Roman road past Andover (Icknield Way), to the Kennet & Avon canal. I'll walk along that for two days before heading north near Bradford-on-Avon towards Stroud, thence via Laurie Lee's home village of Slad to Gloucester.