An army veteran from the New Forest is spending almost three months hiking across every major mountain range in the Alps on a 1,368 mile fundraising odyssey.

Matthew (Harry) Rule is in the middle of the Via Alpina Red Trail that passes through eight countries: Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, France and Monaco.

The distance is only part of the challenge, with the elevation gain for the entire trail a staggering 148,000m. That is the equivalent of hiking from Everest Base Camp to the summit and back

down 44 times. It is considered one of the hardest long-distance trails on the planet.

Harry, 51, originally from Hordle and a member of New Milton Rugby Club, is raising money for Care for Veterans who look after his friend and fellow veteran Steve Boylan.

Harry said:

“Steve and I joined the Royal Engineers at the same time in 1993 and after an impressive career Steve was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident that left him paralysed for life."

“He receives fantastic round the clock care at the Care for Veterans Nursing Home in Worthing, West Sussex, and I wanted to help raise some money for the charity. I live in Slovenia now and was aware of the trail that fewer than 30 people a year complete."

“It is exhausting and includes hiking over snowy peaks as well as through warm, verdant valleys. It is a real test of fitness and endurance. So far it is going well but I have much more to do. I have had great support from friends, family and fellow veterans and aim to complete it in the next month or so."

“I began in Trieste on the Adriatic Sea in Italy and will end in Monaco on the French Riviera.”