A HOMELESS veteran who served in the armed forces for 23 years and now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is trying to raise money to move into long-term housing.

Mark Roberts, who is sleeping rough on the streets of Bournemouth, served during the Gulf War and in Afghanistan. He was also Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ personal driver until 1992.

Community interest company ExFor+, who work to support veterans in difficulty, set up a crowdfunding page to help Mark get off the streets as he is not considered a priority for housing by the council.

Writing on the JustGiving page, 50-year-old Mark said: “I am a veteran that has served within the UK and New Zealand Armed Forces for 23 years. I was personally a driver for Prince Wales and Princess Diana until 1992.

“I was made homeless in August 2016, [and] I was advised by the local police force that I should not return to the address due to three attempts on my life and being physically assaulted, leaving me with severe brain damage.

“I have been homeless since August 2016 and have been rough sleeping as well as in and out of temporary accommodation.

“This meant that I was then classed as intentionally homeless and that the council do not have a duty of care to me for this reason.

“I am classed as disabled due to being injured after service [and] during the assault that left me with severe traumatic brain damage.”

The ex-Queen’s Royal Lancers man explained that he has been desperate for help since becoming homeless. He is hoping to raise £5,000 to find long-term and sustainable housing, as well as to support him through his mental health difficulties.

“I have reached out for support from a number of directions, I am currently being supported by my local church, however I am rough sleeping in their grounds on a nightly basis,” he said.

He added: “This is something that I never thought would have happened to me, however it has.

“Any support is greatly appreciated as it will allow me to rebuild my life and be a positive member of the community by being able to provide back to the community in which I came from to serve and the one that I have returned to after serving.”

To support the appeal, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/homelessveteranmarkroberts