A BASINGSTOKE soldier is currently in the midst of completing a 100-mile walk to commemorate those who died in the First World War.

Steven Kelliher, 35, from Winklebury, yesterday (November 7) started from the Menin gate in Ypres and will walk 100 miles to the Cenotaph in London for Armistice Day.

Mr Kelliher, who has served more than 18 years as part of the Royal Army Medical Corps, has joined 100 other soldiers taking the pilgrimage, which the group has worked out that for every step they take, it will represent three of the fallen men in the Great War.

During the walk, Mr Kelliher will be raising money to support two military charities, Veterans With Dogs and Scottie’s Little Soldiers.

The 35-year-old said: “As a soldier and a human I felt it was important to honour the sacrifice of individuals who weren’t trained soldiers, they were bakers, butchers and working men.

“But I also wanted to raise awareness of the issues that are still facing soldiers some 100 years later.

“For me it’s a pilgrimage to honour the fallen my fellow brothers-in-arms.”

The Winklebury resident will be completing the challenge dressed in the uniform of the First World War stretcher bearers in homage to his forebears.

Despite this nod to those who served before him, Mr Kelliher admits this could be a hindrance in the challenge.

He added: “The boots are stupidly heavy, and we are going to cross the North Downs, so that will be interesting.

“The uniform again is fairly heavy and it’s going to be interesting if it rains, but that adds to what I’m doing.”

Mr Kelliher aims to raise £2,000 which will be split between his two chosen charities.

To support the 35-year-old in his efforts visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Love_Endures_Forever&pageUrl=7&fbclid=IwAR2YDGBrSICxPJAPqbNfPoVYcIXyeqygRjWBfzOfg_0fWS2D8b1J_YGelNI