County Durham veteran raises funds with 100-mile walk challenge

David Bell, 66, took on the challenge in support of Anxious Minds, a charity supporting ex-serving personnel and their loved ones across the North East.

The retired fusilier began training earlier this year before walking an average of 20 to 30 miles per day.

David Bell, 66, completes a 100-mile charity walk to raise funds for Anxious Minds, which supports veterans and their families (Image: Supplied)

His journey concluded outside Anxious Minds‘ counselling services in Wallsend.

Anxious Minds CEO, Edward Dean, said: “It is absolutely amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.

“David has done an amazing thing, both to support the charity and the veterans we serve.

“We cannot thank him enough from the bottom of our heart.”

David Bell, 66, completes a 100-mile charity walk to raise funds for Anxious Minds, which supports veterans and their families (Image: Supplied)

Mr Bell’s 100-mile effort has helped raise funds to provide “life-changing” mental health support to veterans and their families.

Anxious Minds serves individuals across the wider region.

The charity offers counselling services and mental health support for veterans and their families.

David Bell, 66, completes a 100-mile charity walk to raise funds for Anxious Minds, which supports veterans and their families (Image: Supplied)

Its dedicated veteran support work aims to address the unique pressures faced by military personnel returning to civilian life.

The organisation has received multiple awards for its services, including the Making a Difference Award at the 2025 Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards and the English Veteran Awards’ Leader of the Year title in 2024.

It also earned gold in the Health and Wellbeing category at the English Veteran Awards in 2022.