Seven Army personnel have begun a 200 kilometre march from Dublin to Galway in a charity fundraising drive.
The seven members of the Irish Defence Forces set off at 6am this morning to raise awareness and funds for veterans' charity ONE and the Irish Cancer Society.
They departed McKee Barracks to Ashtown Gate and set off along the Royal Canal in Dublin, with the team expected to arrive at Renmore Barracks in Galway on Thursday evening.
The team is made up of Sergeant Martin Moules, Quartermaster Sergeants David Bates, Darren McCarthy and Peter Scully, Sgt Jonathan Santamaria, Corporal Fran Fitzhenry, and Corporal Peter McCardle.
They will be supported along the way by a number of their Defence Forces colleagues who are set to turn out to cheer on their colleagues.
Over the four days, the group will follow a set route, travelling through Blanchardstown, Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Enfield, Mullingar, Mote, Athlone, and over the hills of Athenry, before concluding the challenge in Galway.
Members and volunteers from the veterans' charity will greet the participants on route at Dublin, Mullingar, Athlone and Galway.
ONE was founded in March 1951 with the aim of supporting former members of the Defence Forces as they make the difficult transition into civilian life.
The organisation offers housing, professional counselling, and support services to homeless and struggling veterans.
To date, the charity has helped more than 1,000 veterans out of homelessness and provides 18,615 bed nights a year, between its homes in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin and Letterkenny.
The Irish Cancer Society aims to transform the experiences and outcomes of people affected by cancer through advocacy, support services and research.
Speaking ahead of the event, Defence Forces Veteran and CEO of ONE, Cormac Kirwan, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as one of this year’s charities.
"All in ONE have a huge admiration and respect for the group to undertake such a challenge.
"We wish each and every one of them the greatest success and thank them for all their efforts.
"Without the continued support of all of our donors, we would not be able to fund our vital services for struggling veterans in need."
