Two veterans have created a new means of helping others through a Bury walking group.
Veterans Liam Howarth and Stewart "Spenny" Spensley, landlord of The Two Tubs, have created a walking group for anyone suffering from mental health issues, wanting to get fit or make friends.
"Walking Side by Side" meet at the town centre pub on a Sunday, walk around five miles and return to enjoy the establishment's £1 hot pots.
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The idea was devised by Liam and Spenny, who completed multiple tours in war zones and were later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
On one occasion, Spenny was having a "low-day" and Liam suggested that they go walking together.
Liam said: “I do a lot of walking over the moors so know it can help improve mental health.
“One day, we were sat at The Two Tubs and I suggested we start this walking group."
Following the first initial walks, Liam said the response has been positive and he wants to encourage people to get in touch if they feel nervous about joining.
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He said: “It may have been set up by military veterans and our pub is known as a big military pub but this is for anyone interested."
Following their most recent walk, Spenny said it has been great to see people making friends and bringing their pets along too.
He said: “We want to help get people out of the house, make some friends and really build up the community through walking and talking.
“Everyone is welcome including children and pets and we hope that if we get some more interest we can start doing two sessions a week.”
Liam added that fitness levels won't be an issue as they hope to complete multiple routes in one day with several different groups.
Read more: Veteran offers therapy sessions at Two Tubs
He added that he hopes doing this will help build up fitness levels and "improve mental health whilst making friends on the way".
The group are looking for local business to help them pay for more kit and equipment and are welcoming any donations that can be made.
Liam said: "We managed to get some donations from the military for some good boots.
“We gave these to a few of the lads as times are hard for everyone at the moment not just mentally but financially, so donations will help our group.”
For more information, the walking group can be found on Facebook here or you can contact The Two Tubs pub here.
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.
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