A POOLE grandfather who has suffered with PTSD is set to travel the country next year using only public buses to raise awareness of the condition.

John Hadfield is hoping to become the fastest 70-year-old to travel from Land's End to John o' Groats using only his bus pass.

John will set off on his Great Bus Pass Adventure two days after his 70th birthday on September 23 next year. He hopes to complete the challenge in seven days.

He is doing the challenge to raise money for The Household Cavalry Foundation, which cares for soldiers, casualties, veterans, heritage and horses of the Household Cavalry, as well as Combat Stress which offers treatment to veterans who are suffering from mental health conditions including PTSD. He served in The Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry, from 1967 to 1974.

While serving for Dorset Police, John was seconded to the No. 7 Regional Crime Squad in Bristol but on December 19, 1990, he was stabbed five times during the arrest of a burglary suspect.

John said: “One of the stab wounds nicked my aorta and I was bleeding to death. Due to the skill of the Surgeon that treated me I survived.

“However, since that time I suffered and still suffer from PTSD. I want to draw attention to the work of Combat Stress and the fact that serviceman involved in recent conquests throughout the world have problems finding help with the incidents they witnessed or the life changing injuries they received."

Over the next 12 months he will take part in a series of fundraising challenges which includes attempting to drive and ride or upon as many different military vehicles or conveyances as he can.

John added: “In 2001 I did a trek to Inner Mongolia for charity, however as age catches up with you it is good to find a more relaxed way to raise money and let the bus take the strain.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor John can visit virginmoneygiving.com/JohnHadfield.