Ex-soldier walking 250 miles for veterans world cup

A former serviceman is walking 250 miles to raise money for a veteran's football world cup.

Jonathan Farrelly, from Weston-super-Mare, set off from Newquay in Cornwall on Saturday, heading to London, and stopped at Seavington in Somerset on Wednesday.

He is organising a world cup for veterans in Woking next year and is using the walk to raise funds.

"The best medicine for any mental health struggle is fitness, that's what I believe," he said.

"When I came out [of the army] and it wasn't there any more it was very hard, it took me a long time to adjust to civilian life. I'm still struggling now sometimes," Mr Farrelly added.

The world cup is being organised to help veterans with their mental health after leaving the army.

Mr Farrelly is walking on average 30 miles every day, he said.

"It's been hard but I've got great support out there. It's achievable. I'm looking forward to getting it done. "

Dale Carter, Mr Farrelly's friend is following him along in a caravan.

He said: "I think this is important. This will help veterans with their PTSD, which I suffer from myself.

"I'm there if he needs me. He could turn an ankle - anything could happen."

Mr Farrelly added: "I am doing this so people get the correct support from the correct people and get a second chance in life, like I did.

"I am hoping to achieve more exposure for the world cup and its aims. The more people that are aware of it, the bigger the impact we will have in the veterans' community."

Earlier this year, Mr Farrelly and a friend walked 150 miles from North Somerset to London.

He is hoping this walk will raise £50,000 which will go some way to meeting the costs of staging the football tournament.

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