A FORMER serviceman from Taunton has arrived home for Christmas after completing a charity challenge walk.

Nick Fernandes was joined by seven friends to walk a combined 140 miles for Walking for the Wounded’s Walking Home for Christmas campaign.

Three went towards Bath and Trowbridge and the rest went south down towards Taunton.

Nick, who served with the Royal Navy for 22 years and was based at Fleet Air, said he felt it was the right thing to do.

Speaking to the County Gazette on Wednesday when he was just 11 miles from home, he said: “As an ex-serviceman I just felt it was the right thing to do.

“I’m walking a bit slower than I was yesterday, my legs are starting to feel a bit weary now.

“I was hoping to finish on Tuesday evening but we made the mis- take of stopping for lunch at a pub in Mark.

“My friend took part in the campaign last year and I decided I wanted to help by walking 50 miles.

“As an ex-serviceman myself I know some of the trials and tribulations you can face and I’m very fortunate that I haven’t.

“We’re hoping to raise around £1,000 which will get someone on the programme.”

Last year, walks totalled more than 5,000 miles and the cam- paign raised enough to support more than 250 vulnerable veter - ans through the charity’s pro- grammes to re-integrate them back into society and regain their independence.

This year walkers also have the option to sign up as a ‘captain’ and host a walk in their area.

WWTW director of fundraising, Andrew Cook, said: “Many of our ex-military personnel face a Christmas and New Year without much sparkle. We are so grateful to the huge numbers of you who accept our challenge to stride out on their behalf before Christmas, in a determined bid to help us put the twinkle back into their and their families’ eyes.”

If you would like to sponsor Nick, log on to http://bit.ly/2h1e- kor