A FORMER serviceman who is on a coastal tour of the country for Wiltshire Mind in Melksham is determined to carry on, after he was mugged and knocked off his bike just days apart.

Peter Anders, 35, of Kingston Mill, Bradford on Avon, was travelling through Eastbourne on March 23 as part of his fundraising journey when he was held up by a knifeman while he was taking money out to buy food.

Mr Anders, who lives with mental health issues and depression, said: “I had stopped in Eastbourne and I was talking to a homeless woman. I felt really bad for her so I gave her some tobacco and a bit of money. I posted something on Facebook and managed to find her somewhere to stay the night. I took £60 out of the bank and as I walked round there was this guy there, he told me to get lost and then pulled a knife out on me and took my money.

“I was in tears after I was mugged but I woke up the next day and decided that it was in the past and the best thing I could do is keep on going.”

Just a couple of days later, as Mr Anders was cycling round a roundabout, he was knocked off his bike by a car which clipped his cycle and failed to stop, and suffered a large cut to his shin.

“As I was going round I was hit on the back of my bike which sent me off. When I went to the hospital they told me they thought it was fractured. I was really worried about that as it would’ve meant me coming home. I have had to rest, luckily my cousin lives nearby, but I am not going to let it stop me,” added Mr Anders.

Mr Anders plans continue his journey and will be setting off soon en route to Margate.

“The journey up until Eastbourne was going very well. I had completed my Exmoor stage in one day. I am determined to carry on. When I say I will do something I will do it and finish it. So far I have raised a bit for Wiltshire Mind but hope I can reach the £4,000 target,” he said.

Carolyn Beale, chief executive of Wiltshire Mind, said she is proud of Mr Anders and hopes more people will get behind him and donate to his challenge.

“I know Peter has received donations from friends and family but it would be great to have more support. He is determined to carry on and as we are an unfunded charity the more support he can get the better,” Mrs Beale said.

Anyone wishing to donate to Mr Anders' fundraising can visit www.justgiving/paj-anders1.