TWO men hiked 17 miles from Cardiff to Cwmbran in order to raise funds to help wounded servicemen and women find careers post-injury.

Nigel Ward, 50, and David Barwell, 48, both from Cwmbran, swapped the train for the pavement on Monday, December 14, as they embarked on a 17 mile walk home from work.

The walk was in aid of charity event, Walking Home for Christmas, a campaign which supports veterans on the streets.

Taking place from December 12 to 16, organisers encourage people to walk as far as they can while wearing a branded ‘Walking Home for Christmas’ Santa hat and hi-vis bib.

Mr Ward, who works as an IT manager in Cardiff, said he and Mr Barwell took part in the event in order to raise money and awareness for the charity.

“The event allowed us to raise money which goes towards helping disadvantaged ex-servicemen and women look for employment, and move closer to having a home of their own for next Christmas,” he said.

“It rained the whole way, but we need to remember that many veterans have walked in far treacherous and more dangerous environments than we might care to imagine.”

The duo completed the walk in just under six hours, to which Mr Ward said he would do all over again in the name of charity.

He added: “Amazingly, we completed the walk in 5 hours and 50 minutes and despite the 17 mile journey, we completed it unscathed with no injuries or blisters, just stiff knees.

“So far we have raised £422.50, including gift aid, which has smashed our original target of £100 and we are delighted to have raised so much money for such a worthy cause.

To donate to the pair visit www.bit.ly/1I8Ex1o.