Bolton ex-soldier's plea to save Veteran Army charity

Ryan Yates, 35, from Bromley Cross, served in Afghanistan, having been in the forces since the age of just 16.

After leaving the armed forces, Ryan set up the Veterans Army to help former soldiers and army personnel with mental health and any struggles they may face.

Ryan also started an effort to deliver medical supplies to Ukraine and has since made 50 trips.

But Ryan’s charity is now at risk of closing after losing subscribers after the payment company Stripe encountered security issues and subsequently cancelled all subscriptions for two months.

Ryan said: “Veterans Army is dependent on subscription, but we have been without funding for two months.

“So, we have lost 98 per cent of our income and are in a position of crisis.

“If we do not get the subscriptions back up, I am going to have to tell soldiers that we can no longer continue their therapy.”

To help recuperate losses and continue going for at least another year, Ryan and the team have organised the Cerberus Challenge.

This is an exercise challenge consisting of walking, fireman carry, press-ups and sit-ups all included to fundraise for the Veterans Army.

It can be done anywhere remotely, or people can sign up to participating gyms announced by Ryan.

Ryan added: “Our yearly costs is £25,000, so any money raised will help us massively to continue doing what we can to help people.

“It then gives me 12 months to fundraise for the following year.

“We give more than 500 hours of therapy so all of that will have to stop, and our service is so important in the UK right now.

“It’s not right that we lost all our subscribers but now I’ve got to do something, or I have no choice but to close up.”

Elite Thai Boxing and Nuffield Gym are among those taking part and Ryan and his team will also be undertaking the challenge at the steps of Bolton Town Hall.

Visit Ryan’s social media page to stay updated on the locations.