A WESTON man has helped set up a World Cup event in the hopes of raising half a million pound to house homeless veterans.

John (Jono) Farrelly, a veteran himself, was inspired by his own experiences as an ex-serviceman to help others.

Speaking to the Weston Mercury, John said: "I formed a World Cup which is going to consist of 12 countries.

"This is going to start on May 4, 2025, at Woking.

"It will raise half a million pound to house homeless veterans.

"I got kicked out of the army in 2012, I got involved in things that I shouldn't have been involved in.

"Through my own choice I was homeless for a period of time, it was a small veterans charity that helped me out.

"It made me want to do more.

"The veterans community isn't working for many reasons, it's secluded away from people, there's a lot of people out there making money off vulnerable people instead of helping them."

From this Sunday (March 24), John will be carrying out a 'tactical advance to battle' (tabbing) walk from Weston to London over six days.

He will be sleeping 'rough' along the way, which he hopes will highlight how there are many veterans living without a roof over their heads.

Explaining further on the event's Go Fund Me page, John writes: "Myself and 30 other ex servicemen and women have formed a event that will unite 12 countries that will come together to take part in the biggest sporting event ever in the Armed forces Veterans Community.

"The event is in aid of Homeless Veterans around the world and will see us all battle it out on a football pitch at Woking F.C on May 4 2025 in aid of our brothers and sisters who need support.

"The World Cup will be self funded by ourselves and hopefully with your help.

"In attempt to raise funds so participants, Travel, Food and accommodation are paid for so we can reach our target next year off £500,000.

"So we can achieve that target, Jono Farrelly and Lee Jennings will be Tabbing from Weston-super-Mare to London over six days which consists of 150 miles and will be sleeping rough along the way.

"This is so vital funds are raised so the World Cup can go ahead and reach its target.

"Everything we raise this year will be go to support the logistics of the World Cup."