TWO ex-soldiers, known as ‘The Hairy Veterans’, are planning to walk 62 miles along the Dorset stretch of the Wessex Ridgeway in aid of charity #Willdoes.  

Mike Roberts, 46, and Dave Roberts, 51, who served together in The Royal Tank Regiment have given themselves three days to complete the trek, starting their journey in the village of Ashmore on August 23, and they hope to cross the finishing line in Lyme Regis, on August 25. 

#Willdoes was set up in memory of William Paddy, who was from the Swanage area and passed away at just 14. 

Following his death, his mother Lesley set up the charity which supports the mental and physical wellbeing of children and young adults. 

The Hairy Veterans say they are determined to raise a substantial sum for #Willdoes Picture: Hairy Veterans

Mike said: “The fact that the charity supports young people who are bottling up their emotions and are struggling to just get up in the morning just struck a chord with us.  

“No young person should have to feel this way and, as a father to a teenager, I find it very worrying.” 

The pair are keen to advocate positive mental health as well as raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder.  

Mike and Dave are encouraging people to donate any amount, big or small, in advance of the ‘Walking into Wessex’ fundraiser but they are also hoping people will meet them along the way and donate a pound or two. 

Mike said: “#Willdoes has a big agenda, with big plans and a big heart but sadly, being a smaller charity, not a big following when it comes to support.

“I hope to change that by becoming an advocate for mental health and by advertising the charity and the amazing work that it does for young people living within Dorset communities.

“We hope to blog and talk about the history of the local area along the way.

“More importantly we want to spread the word about the great work that the charity does in memory of a very special local boy, William Paddy, who sadly died too early, aged only 14.”

#Willdoes was set up following the death of 14-year-old William Paddy Picture: #Willdoes

The veterans, who are not related, describe themselves as best friends and ‘brothers in arms’ having served together on operational duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

In 2023 they supported Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a military charity that supports bereavement in children and young adults.

“We have remained best friends since leaving the army and started our social media page initially as a ‘bit of fun’, and it allowed us to record our passion for outdoor adventure and history,” Mike said. 

“However, something was missing so we decided to start raising money for worthy causes.

“Any donation will help “#Willdoes to continue the great work that they do in getting children to talk about mental health and supporting them when they feel that life has nothing left to offer.”

The hike will start at the village of Ashmore at the war memorial on August 23 at around 6.30am -7am. 

Those wishing to donate can visit their JustGiving page or search ‘The Hairy Veterans’ on JustGiving.