A TRIO of army veterans hoping to raise thousands for charity stopped in Swindon on their massive 1,000 mile cycle ride.

Ex-servicemen Rob Dennison, Andy Price and Gav Corlos are peddling across Britain for their fundraising challenge, Around the World in 80 Coffees. They stopped in Swindon before cycling the 70 miles to Southampton.

The trio, who had only met on social media before deciding to embark on their epic ride, are raising cash for charities that help soldiers, sailors and airmen adjust to life on Civvy Street.

They met with Swindon inspirational speaker Steve Carr, who walked the length of Britain in 2016 after suffering a mental breakdown.

Rob, a former Royal Logistics Corps driver, told Steve: “We’re cycling around the country, going to raise awareness that veterans are everywhere. There is good, there is bad. There are mindset problems, there are motivational problems and there are also business problems.

“But there’s another side to that. It’s not all bad, there’s good as well. There are a lot of positive mindsets coming out, positive businesses.”

His message to veterans was, “We’re all stronger together, it’s okay not to be okay”.

Rob, who runs firm 50 Cal Coffee Co., added: “Even a broken pencil can be re-sharpened and draw perfect architecture.”

Posting a video to his Facebook page, Steve said: “I admire what these guys are doing, simply because they went and did it. They’re going out and doing it. Why? Because this message needs to be heard.”

For more, visit: www.aroundthecountryin80coffees.com.