A FORMER Royal Marine Commando stopped off at The Three Little Pigs in Crediton for refreshments during his 900-mile charity run from John O’Groats to Lands End.

Mike “Buster” Keating took up the challenge of running unsupported,

carrying all his kit, tent, spare clothes, cooking supplies and food in his back pack, to help raise awareness of Veterans suicide and mental health care.

Mike shared his own experience with the Op Spartan “Facebook” group, which is run by Army veterans.

He said: “The group can give first-hand solutions that the NHS cannot offer.

“Each member has an understanding of the effects conflict and trauma can have on you – As great as the NHS is, very few professionals have experienced the same thing.”

Mike joined the Avon and Somerset Police after leaving the Royal Marines. He retired after six years partly due to his battle with post traumatic stress disorder.

He explained: “You can lose your identity after leaving these services, a lot of the group’s members struggle with opening up about it.

“A broken leg is a visible injury and can be healed, but there is no easy cure for a broken mind if it cannot be seen.”

Mike took up running just months before taking up the 900-mile challenge, jogging for 30 minutes each day and increasing from there until he was able to run the distance of a marathon each day.

Mike added: “My journey is symbolic – it shows how important taking each step is.

“During lockdown, many people, inside and outside the Op Spartan group, have felt lonely or miss someone. Each step, or day, you take is a step towards your goal.”

“Every day I meet different people, and each day I am blown away by how generous and kind they can be.

All donations will go to Op Spartan who provide help and support to military personnel, and emergency services personnel (past and present). Their mission is simply to uplift, inspire and support.

Mike who originally set a target of £500, at the time of going to press, has raised £10,584 for Op Spartan.

To donate to the Op Spartan group log on to: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/opspartan and visit www.facebook.com/itallstartswithonestep .