AN injured Chippenham soldier is rowing 100 miles to raise funds for Help for Heroes.

Vicki Ross is joining three of her Invictus Games teammates who are all bidding to complete 100 miles each on a static rowing machine between now and 20 June.

All four were due to compete for Team UK at the Invictus Games in The Hague this year.

Her time in the Army resulted in a number of injuries, such as nerve damage in her feet, a shoulder impingement and knee surgery but also left her with severe anxiety.

She said: “Physical activity has always been a huge part of my life in every aspect, social, family and sporting life and it’s a great leveller to negate my anxiety. However, lockdown exacerbates already existing physical and mental injuries. Keeping a positive mindset is my key to surviving.

“By doing this challenge for Help for Heroes I am holding myself accountable for my training, my physical wellbeing and my mental health. Challenges aren’t meant to be easy but we will all rise to this one. It is our way of saying thank you.”

Hannah Lawton, Help for Heroes Sports Recovery Manager, said: “By stepping up to raise vital funds for veterans and their families, our Team UK competitors are showing huge strength once more in the face of adversity. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve received an increase in calls to our mental health and clinical support teams from those who are struggling to cope or worried about the future.

"Isolation, anxiety and a loss of routine are all common issues for those we support, and the coronavirus situation has heightened these issues for many.

"We are therefore extremely grateful to people like Vicki who are helping us fulfil our promise to our veterans and their families.”

To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100milerowh4h