It’s set to be a real test of endurance and strength.

A serving member of the Armed Forces and a veteran – with more than 42 years of military service between them – will be trekking back and forth along a nine mile stretch of Dorset coastline.

From Sandbanks to Southbourne.

Continuously for 24 hours.

Martin Shorey and Monty Byrne are undertaking the challenge on Saturday, August 7, to help veterans with mental health difficulties.

And just to make the challenge even tougher, the duo will be carrying a HM Forces medical stretcher and mannequin along the way.

Martin, 41, served in the Royal Navy for more than 23 years, while Monty, 36, is still in the Armed Forces.

They go under the name ‘Pop Smoke Pipes’ described as ‘two military guys on an adventure whilst smoking a pipe’.

Monty said: “There is no doubt that this challenge is going to test both our physical fitness and our mental strength.

“We’ll have very little rest for 24 hours and will have to maintain a strong mind set to complete the journey.

“But, that’s the idea.

“We have both seen the impact that operational deployment can have on the mental health and wellbeing of military personnel and wanted to do something to challenge ourselves, while raising money for a good cause.”

Martin and Monty will be raising money for the NHS veterans’ mental health and wellbeing service, Operation Courage.

It provides specialist care and support for service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.

Martin said: “Whilst this is a tough challenge, it does not compare to some of the conditions serving and former military personnel have faced as part of their military service.

“As well as raising money for Operation Courage, this is also about recognising the fantastic contribution that our serving and former military representatives make to protecting our country.

“For that we salute them.”

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust provides the Veteran’s Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service in the South West including Dorset.

It’s available across England for Armed Forces personnel approaching discharge and for veterans.

Rufus Pettett, Veterans Mental Health Service Manager, said: “The impact that serving in the Armed Forces can have on someone can be huge, with many serving and former military personnel facing mental health problems as a result of their service.

“If you’re concerned about your own, or someone else’s mental health, as a result of their service, you can find out more about how to access our services by visiting: awp.nhs.uk/services/specialist/veterans/.”

Martin and Monty hope to raise £3,000 throughout their challenge, and will be collecting donations as they go.

So far they’ve raised £2,010.

You can also support them by making a donation via their Just Giving page by clicking here.