A FORMER Whitchurch soldier has taken on a tough exercise challenge in aid of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Barry Fewster completed 2,100 squats, sit-ups and press-ups throughout February and has so far raised £750 with donations still coming in.

Being ex-military served as motivation for Barry to take on the challenge as he knows people who have received support from the RBL.

He said: "Surprisingly the first three weeks were quite good.

"It was only in the last week that I started to feel fatigued. That is where you have to dig in and push through."

He added: "A year ago I would have struggled to do this challenge.

"But my eldest son is a personal trainer. I had a knee problem and over the last 12 months, I have overcome that with his advice and help."

Barry had set a fundraising target of £500 but has managed to beat that and raise £750 so far.

The challenge had been promoted on Facebook and Barry said using the social media platform has enabled him to get into contact with people who he served alongside.

He said: "Initially, I went on Facebook to find one army colleague. We ended up finding loads. It was absolutely brilliant.

"I have not been in touch with some of these guys for over 20 years."

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Barry added: "Money has come through Facebook and fellow veterans. Donations have been given through Whitchurch Walkers and colleagues in Sainsbury's.

"I received £80 from the Whitchurch branch of the legion."

The British Army veteran was delighted with the support.

Barry said: "It was fantastic It was not just the donations, it was also the words of support that came through."

It is not uncommon for many former Armed Forces personnel to deal with a number of challenges in civilian life.

Barry said: "You have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some suffer from physical disabilities.

"For some men and women, the challenge is reintegrating into civilian life.

"They went in when they were 17 years old and had that military structure in their lives.

"And when they come out it has gone and these people need support.

"The RBL has encountered this before and it has the experience to help."

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