An army veteran from Gelligaer was chosen to star in a photoshoot modelling a range of clothes to raise funds for armed forces charity Help for Heroes.

Jonathan Congreve, 58, and his wife, Debbie, took part in the fundraising initiative, with the charity hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Congreve signed up to the army in 1989 and served for 22 years, going on to become a staff sergeant with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.

He suffered injuries and illnesses including cervical disc disease, osteoarthritis and bilateral tendinitis, which affects his hips and back.

He was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Jonathan, who will represent the UK at the rearranged Invictus Games next year, said: “Most military people are proud and don’t like asking for help. It was quite scary to be honest, and I questioned myself – have I failed myself, have I failed my wife, but I’ve realised, that’s just life.

“Sometimes you need a helping hand, sometimes you don’t, and there’s no disgrace in taking a helping hand from anybody.

“It’s been a bit of an eye-opener that there are people there to help you, guide you and give you encouragement and the self-confidence so you can support yourself. It’s been a tremendous help.

Debbie, who volunteers with the charity, said: “It’s my way of saying thank you for helping us when we didn’t know which way to turn.

“For Jon, he was out several years before he realised there was something he needed help with, and without Help for Heroes, I literally dread to think where we would be.”

Due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the charity has announced a major restructure – with 142 staff roles at risk.

Around 97% of the charity’s funds come from public donations, with most fundraising events and activities cancelled in recent months due to the pandemic. They charity has said it’s expecting to see a 30% drop in income in the coming years.

However, the charity said it has no plans to cut any recovery services, with the recovery service based in Treforest set to reopen “in due course”.

Help for Heroes CEO Melanie Waters said: “The crisis has had a devastating impact on the whole UK charity sector, with lasting consequences, and it has hit us hard.

“These tough decisions have been made to protect the future of the charity and have been taken with our beneficiaries in mind.”

To donate to Help for Heroes, visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate-online