A Royal Navy officer from Kilcreggan is running 1,000 miles to help raise funds for a charity helping veterans out of poverty.

Lieutenant Commander Alex Miles began his journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats on Saturday, June 1.

He's aiming to raise cash for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Alabaré, a homelessness charity assisting veterans.

Alex, who was born in Wales but lives in the village, will be running for 37 days and over 70,000 feet of elevation on a bespoke route which has been designed by race organiser, Run Britannia.

Alex said: “Over the last 24 years, the charity has supported me with numerous sporting ventures, as well as providing refurbishments to shared spaces both on board submarines and naval bases where I have served.

“This makes life so much more comfortable for all personnel.

“The charity also acts as an umbrella, awarding grants to other organisations which support naval families, and this support is definitely fundamental to having a better service family life.”

Alex is scheduled to arrive at the finish line in John O’Groats on Saturday, July 6.

Posting on his online fund-raising page, Alex added: "I’m a big believer that in this day and age everyone should be able to have a roof over their head every night and be kept out of the elements.

"I understand anyone can be affected by homelessness. Relationship breakdowns, loss of employment and ill health are all common reasons why someone can become homeless, but there are many others.

"Homes for Veterans is a service (and initiative) run by Alabaré that supports service men and women across the UK who have served our country, and who experience difficulty adjusting to civilian life.

"Homes for Veterans helps veterans of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to gain the skills and confidence they need to move on to their own accommodation.

"Unfortunately, the issue of homelessness is not going away any time soon, and for this reason alone we need to look at new ways to provide support and encouragement to those seeking to rebuild their lives."

Having joined the Royal Navy as an Able Rate submariner in 1999, Alex went on to be commissioned as an officer at Britannia Royal Naval College in 2010.

He is married to a serving Royal Navy officer, with whom he shares two young children.

Dawn Ingram, the RNRMC’s director of fundraising, said: “Alex has completed several fundraising events for the charity, but this one is particularly impressive due to the sheer scale of the distance he will be running.

“We are incredibly grateful to Alex for going to such lengths in support of the RNRMC.”

To donate to Alex’s fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/page/a-miles-run-britannia-2024.

Alex is keen for people to join him on his run and those looking to take part can contact lucy.fryer@rnrmc.org.uk for more information about where he's expecting to be and when.