Veteran preparing for charity solo sail across the Atlantic

A veteran who was once homeless is preparing to set off on a single-handed sailing voyage across the Atlantic.

Ross Brady, 34, who lives in Hawkesbury Upton in South Gloucestershire, will begin his 45-day journey from Antigua to the UK later in April.

He will be raising money for two charities - PROPS, a learning disability charity, and Gloucestershire Nightstop, which helps homeless youths.

"No kid should be homeless. It's not right," he said.

The former marine, who grew up in the Quantocks, became homeless when he was 15-years-old and began serving in the military in Afghanistan aged 18.

Upon leaving the Royal Marines in 2015 after his tour ended, he found it difficult to readjust to life back at home.

He came up with the idea to embark on the challenge in 2018, after meeting retired senior RAF officer, Sir Graham Anthony "Dusty" Miller, KBE, who had faced a similar upbringing.

While serving in the RAF, Mr Miller, a former High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, developed an interest in sailing and shared his hobby with Mr Brady.

Mr Brady now works as a sailing instructor, sharing his passion for the water with people from all walks of life.

"Sailing is a medication", Mr Brady said.

"Everyone's got a story but then you step out in the water and then you forget it.

"You're out there and all you can concentrate on is life and water. There's no other words to describe it but magical," he added.

Mr Brady has raised more than £1,400 towards his £2,000 target.

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