A war veteran will sleep rough for 48 hours to raise awareness of the struggles faced by those serving in the forces adapt to 'Civvy Street'.

Cllr Ryan Bamforth will sleep on the streets over Remembrance weekend to  also raise money for a charity Veterans Into Logistics which helps veterans adapt after life in the forces and into work.

The charity in Heywood aims to reduce unemployment among the ex-military through training in HGV and engineering.

Cllr Bamforth said: “There are soldiers and veterans out there struggling on a daily basis, so I think 48 hours of hardship is a very little price to pay if it raises awareness that their struggles don't end after the Remembrance Day parade.

The Bolton News:

“I have chosen Veterans into Logistics as they have done amazing things in getting Veterans qualified with a CAT1 licence and even engineering qualifications.

“This is just one way that a charity and help keep Veterans off the streets and contributing to the country that they loyally served.”

As part of the 48 hours, Cllr Bamforth will sleep rough on the streets over Remembrance weekend to highlight the struggles veterans face long after serving in the army.

Ryan himself served in Iraq and Afghanistan and left in 2017.

Earlier this year, Cllr Bamforth started a support group to provide a safe space to talk.

He said: “Horwich and the wider borough of Bolton has a large veteran community, many of whom suffer in silence.

“Soldiers by nature of who they are, hate asking for help, they are trained and designed to help others, and this is what makes our soldiers the best at what they do.

“Selfless commitment. This support group is a safe place where Veterans and Soldiers will be able to meet amongst their own to discuss old stories and new adventures and seek guidance and help where needed.”

In 2022, Ryan walked the 48 hour marathon in Bolton with no food, something he will repeat as part of the rough sleep this year.

He said: “I want to highlight that after Remembrance Day when people go back to work and normal life, it’s the worst day for the ex-soldiers who don’t have anyone patting on their back telling them a job well done anymore.”

All funds raised will go to the Veterans Into Logistics.