A soldier who used to be based at Buckley Barracks in Hullavington is gearing up to walk the coast-to-coast walk for Help for Heroes.

Mark Stevens, from Swindon, is planning to complete the route between St Bees in Cumbria and Robin Hood’s Bay in Whitby in 12 days.

Mr Stevens, 41, is a warrant officer with the Royal Logistics Corps, stationed at Wilton near Salisbury.

He said: “I’ve always loved that part of the country and I’m a keen walker.

“To make it a bit more challenging I’m going to be camping and carrying all my supplies.”

The 190-mile route was made famous by fell walker Alfred Wainwright and crosses three national parks as well as the Cleveland Hills and North York Moors.

It recently featured on BBC series Wainwright Walks presented by Julia Bradbury who Mr Stevens met at a camping and outdoors store.

He said: “I asked her what advice she would give and she told me to keep walking.”

Being in the Army Mr Stevens is keenly aware of the importance of the charity. He said: “They do such a good job of rehabilitating injured soldiers.

“They are trying to open as many centres as possible.”

As part of his training he has recently completed the Three Peaks Challenge, conquering the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales.

Mr Stevens will be taking a train to St Bees on July 17 to start the walk.

He said: “I’ll be dipping my toe in the sea and picking up a pebble and hopefully arriving in Robin Hood’s Bay 11 days later.”

Mr Stevens is hoping to raise £5,000. To sponsor him visit www.justgiving/Mark-StevensCoast-to-Coast.

n FORMER serviceman Carl Lovelock is organising a family fun day later this month.

Mr Lovelock, 29, of Corfe Crescent, Calne, will hold the event at Beversbrook Sports Facility on June 29 from 9.30am.

He served in the Royal Artillery for two years.

“I was in the army for just over two years and I loved it,” he said.

“But I was medically discharged about three years ago. I never got to serve in Afghanistan.”

“I really wanted to give something back to these people, they don’t get much for what they do.”

Mr Lovelock, who is now a personal trainer, has organised a five-hour sponsored run for the day.

There will also be face painting, games, penalty shootouts and a barbecue.