Chris McDowell, RAF Veteran of 20 years, will be embarking on a 500-mile walking and cycling challenge carrying his medicine ball from Edinburgh to Welwyn Garden City, stopping at Oakham Tesco as the mid-point of his journey.

He is fundraising for charity Combat Stress for Veterans' Mental Health, saying: "This isn't just a long-distance walk. It's a walk with purpose. For every step of the way, I'll be carrying a medicine ball – a physical reminder of the invisible weight that so many veterans carry each and every day as they live with PTSD, anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. 

"The medicine ball represents the burden that's not always seen but always felt. And just as I'll carry it mile after mile, veterans carry those struggles long after their service has ended. That's why this walk is for them – and why Combat Stress means so much to me." 

Chris, who currently works as a maintenance technician, will be undergoing this incredible challenge on Friday 20th June and will be stopping at various Tesco stores along his route. He is expected to reach the Oakham store at about midday where he will be greeted by friends, family and ex serving personnel. 

Following the visit to Oakham, Chris will be continuing to Corby Tesco, giving people the opportunity to join him on his walk and talk with him. 

For updates on the day and to donate to Chris' incredible fundraiser, visit his Combat Stress for Veterans Mental Health page.