A SOLDIER so traumatised by his experiences in war-torn countries that he became dependent on alcohol and planned to kill himself is embarking on a colossal charity challenge to help raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

John Sarbutts, of Regina Crescent, Leigh, has vowed to walk 26 miles for 22 consecutive days in aid of veterans' mental health charity Combat Stress.

Starting on November 6 and carrying a 60lb backpack throughout, the 38-year-old's mammoth trek will begin and end at St Helens' Langtree Park stadium.

John said: "I have decided to take on this challenge after I was recently diagnosed with PTSD.

"This is my way of showing appreciation for all the support I have received and am receiving.

"Having served in the Army for 17 years, completing nine tours in several locations and war zones, it has clearly taken its toll on me.

"For a very long time I was convinced that all the things I have seen and witnessed, like friends and comrades being injured and killed, had not affected me.

"But I was wrong. It all caught up with me."

He says he 'fell into a big, dark hole' and drank alcohol to numb the pain.

John, who has served in war-torn Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq, was soon classed as an alcoholic by medical professionals and even planned to commit suicide.

"I was ready to leave family and friends behind," John said.

"I sat down and wrote goodbye letters to all my loved ones. I planned my suicide and researched best places to kill yourself."

One night a fellow soldier realised there was something wrong with John.

He raised the alarm and John ended up being sectioned, reassessed and diagnosed with PTSD.

John, who has a six-year-old son and four step-children and lives with partner Sandie Benham, said: "I received great support and treatment from the Army and medical professionals, and it is still ongoing.

"There is still a long way to go but it is manageable and I now have a positive outlook on life and the future.

“I want to raise awareness and show other sufferers who may not have the support I have had that there is help out there."

To make a donation go to justgiving.com/fundraising/John-Sarbutts.