A Swindon hairdresser on furlough is raising money for a veterans charity after losing an ex-army friend to his mental health.

Rachael Corry plans to walk 1,000 miles and raise £1,000 in the Equator Virtual Challenge.

Money raised will go to the Veterans in Action charity in Andover, which provides a sense of belonging for veterans struggling to fit into civilian life through walking and vehicle expeditions.

Rachael says, "My friend came out the army and he was struggling trying to find work and fit into civilian life. But unfortunately his mental health got the better of him, which was tragic.

"He was involved with Veterans in Action and I was waiting for an opportunity to help the charity.

"They put a post up about this challenge and I thought while I'm not working, it is a good thing to do to raise some funds in the memory of my friend, to hope that it doesn't happen to anyone else.

"My dad is also ex-army and so was my brother, so I know how difficult it is not just for the guys but for the families who have to adapt.

"It's a different life for them, being in the army and then coming back and trying to fit in. Especially with young lads coming back from war and seeing things people shouldn't see, and they are just expected to be normal, so you can understand why some people go down a very dark path.

"There are always beacon alerts for veterans going missing. Especially now with Covid, it's important that people aren't isolated at the moment.

"Veterans in Action has a nice set-up in Andover. They take people out on expeditions and it gives them a sense of purpose."

The Equator Virtual Challenge involves 25 people walking, running, swimming or cycling 1,000 miles each to travel a total of 25,000 miles, the distance around the equator.

People up and down the country are part of the team, but Rachael joined the challenge with Amanda Rogers, who is also from Swindon and who she knows through dog walking.

She has raised £450 so far and says, "The response has been great. I've been really overwhelmed by it.

"My son James who is 8 has been helping me through a lot of it. It's something we can do through lockdown and it keeps us fit."

To donate to the cause or track Rachael's progress, visit veteransinaction.enthuse.com/pf/rachael-corry