Help for Heroes is encouraging people to walk, run, skip or dance 10,000 steps each day for 30 days as part of a fundraising challenge.

The charity, which aims to help injured and wounded British servicemen and women, launched the Step2It Challenge earlier this month.

A similar challenge, called the Dragon Challenge, was launched by the charity in March, but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Music composers Dan and Laura Curtis, from Caerphilly, were behind the Dragon Challenge, but have thrown their support behind the new Step2It Challenge.

Dan, 36, said: “The impact of living in lockdown has affected the mental and physical health of people all over the world.

“I’m taking part in Help for Heroes’ Step2It challenge because I’ve met so many people who have had their lives turned around by the incredible support they’ve received through the charity.

“Step2It is a challenge everyone can be a part of, whether you walk, run, dance, or wheel your distance, over 30 days you can improve your wellbeing and support our incredible Armed Forces who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe.”

Dan and Laura have supported Help for Heroes since 2018, after being inspired by the wounded veterans they met at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida.

The couple released a fundraising single for the charity, which starred the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Sir David Jason, Dame Judie Dench, Stephen Fry and more. The video raised more than £10,000 for Help for Heroes.

The charity has a recovery team based in Treforest, which provides holistic support to wounded ex-servicemen and women. However, due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, staff are currently delivering support remotely via phone and video calls.

Shelley Elgin, recovery manager at Help for Heroes, said: “Our skilled staff work throughout Wales and Hereford, delivering life-changing services including welfare and career advice, 1-2-1 support, fellowship, and clinical liaison.

“During the coronavirus pandemic, Help for Heroes has also made our digital toolkit, the Field Guide to Self-Care, available to our healthcare workers, and anyone who is struggling, via our website.”

Ms Elgin added: “Help for Heroes relies on the generosity of the public to support our work and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes time to volunteer to collect for us, or hosts a sponsored event or activity to raise vital funds to Help for Heroes.

“Dan and Laura Curtis are fantastic supporters of our charity and we want to thank them and everyone who’s taking part in the Step2It challenge this summer.”