A Melksham-based company has handed over a £4,600 cheque to Cornwall based charity Surf Action to enable ten armed forces veterans to recover from physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Clever Digit Media, of the Challymead Business Park, Bradford Road, Melksham, owns and runs Forces Reunited, one of the largest British Armed Forces communities on the internet with over one million members.

The generous donation was amassed from contributions made by Forces Reunited members and will enable ten armed forces veterans to undertake an eight-week ocean therapy course with Surf Action in Cornwall which could help to improve their physical and mental well-being.

Forces Reunited Chief Executive Dominic Hayhoe, an ex-serviceman himself, says: “I understand the need for the help that this charity provides to those suffering from trauma or injury, and when trying to return to civilian life.

“I started Forces Reunited just over 16 years ago, to help forces pals find each other. It’s been an exciting journey for us, and we’ve supported many very worthy charities along the way. We’re extremely proud to be able to make this donation to Surf Action, and look forward to following the progress of the ten veterans as they undertake their Ocean Therapy Course.”

Surf Action helps military veterans, including Territorial Army and reservists, and their families, especially those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries or those struggling to adjust to civilian life.

It also helps people who have served or are serving in the ‘blue-light’ emergency services by using its ‘blue gym’ concept and involving ocean therapy course candidates in surfing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and other high-intensity water sports.

Research by Loughborough University PhD students has highlighted the benefits of the nature-based physical activity encapsulated by the ‘blue gym’ concept on the physical and mental well-being of armed forces veterans.