A FORMER Royal Marine will be taking on a 42 Lake District peaks challenge over 24 hours. 

Ben Wright will be taking on the Bob Graham Round in September to raise awareness of Armed Forces personnel and veterans affected by mental health conditions.

The funds raised will be going to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The Bob Graham Round is a formidable ultra-distance running challenge, covering some 66 miles over 42 of the highest mountains in the Lake District, and Ben will complete this within 24 hours.

Ben said “To put it into perspective, less than 2,500 people have successfully completed 'The Round', but more 4,000 people have attempted Mount Everest and at least 500 people have been launched into space.”

Ben will undertake the challenge with minimal training; equipped only with the Commando qualities of courage, determination, and his own morale.

He added: "Attempting the challenge in this way is intended to highlight the unique mindset instilled into our Armed Forces personnel, a mindset that enables them to carry out the highly demanding training and operational roles asked of them.

“However, characteristics of this same mindset can also create challenges, particularly during the transition from the military into civilian life, preventing some of our very best soldiers, marines, sailors, airwomen, and airmen from asking for help during times of need.

“And this is why I am taking on the Bob Graham Round: to raise funds for SSAFA because it provides that vital support to service personnel and veterans, and their dependents.”

To support Ben’s fundraising challenge, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/armed-forces-round.

To find out more about SSAFA, visit ssafa.org.uk.