Alan Draper

In previous years I’ve taken on the Walking Home for Christmas challenge — from Abbeywood in 2016 (15 miles) and from Yeovil in 2021 (a tough 45 miles). This year, in support of this incredibly worthy cause, I’m taking things up a notch: I’m walking home for Christmas from Portsmouth — 82 miles.

There is one catch. Right now, my fitness and mental health won’t allow me to tackle that distance in a single push from the south coast. So, to stay safe and still honour the challenge, I’ll be breaking the journey into segments and covering the full 82 miles between 15–22 December 2025.

I’m asking for your support to help raise vital funds for Walking With The Wounded — a charity that provides life-changing mental health support, employment opportunities, and practical assistance to ex-service men and women facing real difficulties after leaving the Armed Forces. Your contribution will help them rebuild their lives, regain independence, and thrive after service.

Thank you for anything you can give — it truly makes a difference.