FORMER Scots Guard Jim Archer has been forced to postpone a 4,000-mile fundraising trip commemorating the First World War centenary after a group member broke his arm.

Jim, 63, who lives in Highworth, was part of a team of 10 supporting charity Veterans in Action. They started their challenge, which has seen them walk the majority of the journey, at the Menin Gate, Ypres, in Belgium, on April 28 aiming to finish at Westminster Abbey on August 3.

Organiser Billy McLeod was injured when the group returned to England and were promoting the charity, which helps servicemen after they leave the forces.

“It is with great sadness that we will have to stop,” Billy said. “I’m sorry to let those down.”

Jim, a former Wiltshire Police officer, said that he’d greatly enjoyed the trip and was looking forward to starting the fundraiser again at the end of July.

He said: “It has been great and we’ve received a fantastic reception from the public along the way.”

Veterans in Action supports servicemen with post-traumatic stress disorder or physical injury after finishing their time with the forces. Jim, who left the army in 1977, suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder, but now works as a volunteer supporting former servicemen with the condition.

  • For more information about Veterans in Action or to sponsor the team visit www.v-i-a.org.uk.