THIS week a war veteran who dedicates his time to fundraising for charities has taken on yet another challenge. 

Mark Harding, of Wigton, walked from St Bees in west Cumbria to Carlisle to raise money for Walking With The Wounded, a charity that supports veterans who are suffering from PTSD and their families. 

Mark was seriously injured whilst serving in Afghanistan and was paralysed from the waist down. He has made a recover and now uses his time to support a number of different causes close to his heart. 

The Walking Home For Christmas challenge took place on Saturday, December 17, at 9pm and Mark walked continually until he reached Carlisle the next day after travelling through night. 

Mark and his team have now raised £1,300 for their chosen charity but more money is expected to come in. 

Times and Star: Mark completing his challenge Mark completing his challenge (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Harding said: "It was a lot more difficult than last year because back then we were frequently stopping and starting because we had a support vehicle. 

"This year I got dropped off at the Seacote Hotel in St Bees with the weather being quite windy. 

"We left St Bees at 9pm and just kept walking through the night. There was just the three of us to start off with so a lot of them met us when we got into Allonby. 

"We stopped there and the staff at Jack's Surf Bar were amazing, they provided us with hot food, free coffee and all that sort of stuff. 

Times and Star: Mark and his team in Carlisle Mark and his team in Carlisle (Image: Newsquest)

"From St Bees to Allonby was the furthest that I've walked in one go. I think it was 35 miles I walked without having a prolonged break, it was a real sense of achievement as we were carrying all our equipment as well."

Mark was supported all the way by fellow fundraiser Allan Todd who is helping him with the challenge. 

Once in Carlisle Mark and his team were welcomed by the mayor of Carlisle, the high sheriff and the deputy lord lieutenant. 

Allan Forster, Armed Forces Champion for Copeland, said: "We're really pleased with how it went and we're hoping to plan other things in the new year."

Times and Star: Mark at a Captain Tom mural Mark at a Captain Tom mural (Image: Newsquest)