Downham Market veteran takes on walking challenge

A West Norfolk-based veteran will take on an 11 day physical challenge to support a Christmas charity campaign.

David Rose, from Downham, starts his Walking With the Wounded journey today to support veteran mental health.

Mr Rose suffers from paralysis in his right arm due to injuries sustained whilst he served in the Armed Forces and will adapt each exercise.

Each day, along with a team member, he will take on a physical challenge, consisting of cycling, rowing, walking, and circuit training and his challenge will be made more difficult because his right arm is paralysed.

Therefore he will adapt each physical exercise, for example, he will take on one armed swimming, one armed rowing, cycling a recumbent trike, adaptive circuits, and walking.

Mr Rose served 31 years in the Royal Air Force as an Aircraft Technician until he was discharged due to the paralysis of his right arm.

After a few roles in aircraft simulation, he started working in the military charity sector and through Walking with The Wounded is now part of the High Intensity Service in the East of England, supporting veterans with complex mental health needs.

Mr Rose said: "As a disabled veteran, I have first-hand experience of how life can suddenly change and present what looks like unsurmountable challenges.

"I’m Walking Home For Christmas to help raise funds so that Walking With The Wounded can continue to support veterans overcome their challenges and lead the best possible lives."

The challenge is an annual fundraising campaign for the charity that provides mental health, employment, care coordination and volunteering opportunities for vulnerable veterans.

The campaign encourages anyone from any walk of life to register and fundraise by undertaking a walk to support veterans that need it.

This year it is raising money to ensure that no-one is left behind from the lockdowns.

The campaign will focus on supporting veterans and their family members who have been affected by the mental health epidemic that has engulfed the country during the pandemic.

Walkers from previous years have dedicated their walks to loved ones who have been in or have fallen serving our country, have walked to a war memorial, run errands for friends and family or supported their local community.

The campaign invites anyone to register for free, receive a branded Santa hat and do a sponsored walk home, somewhere important to them anytime between December 10-20.

For further information visit the website