A former soldier, who lost his leg, is taking on a 385-mile walk via the Isle of Man.

Robert Maxwell, from south County Down in Ireland, is embarking on a Walk of Hope to fundraise for charity Let’s Do Veterans Support Group.

He is one of the founders of the Killough-based charity which offers retreats, support and activities to veterans.

One of the main retreats the charity does is to the island so veterans can watch the TT races.

’It’s the most amazing thing seeing a veteran’s face light up when the bikes go past,’ said Mr Maxwell. ’You can’t replicate that.’

He continued: ’We’ve always prided ourselves in doing the TT races. We always want to offer this opportunity for the most disabled.

’We’re going back to the Isle of Man to start all over again.

’We’re going to reestablish ourselves and rebuild the charity.’

The 54-year-old added: ’I just hope we can continue doing these things because this is a final resort for us. If this doesn’t work out or we don’t raise enough funds, that could be our charity down the drain - I’ve thrown everything into this.’

Mr Maxwell severely damaged his right leg, lost his right forearm and sustained head injuries in a motorbike accident in 2004 which ended his career of 11 years as an active soldier. His leg was rebuilt using flesh and bone from other parts of his body.

The former Lance Corporal with the Royal Irish was worried about how he would cope with the walk, saying: ’I have no idea how my leg will hold out but I’m going to give it a go. I’m going to push myself but I’ve never done anything like this, so it’s hard to say what will happen - but I’m walking on a leg that I don’t have.

’If I do it, I will be terribly chuffed. There is a real risk but with risk comes reward.’

He began the walk on Sunday with another army veteran and an ex-navy officer at St Paul’s church in London and will walk to Liverpool where he will get the ferry to the island on December 2 to stay for two days.

Mr Maxwell will then move on to finish at St Anne’s church in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

He said he was hoping other veterans would join him to help him raise money as they go.

To donate, you can find Mr Maxwell’s JustGiving page under his name. He has so far raised just over £500.