Two former military nurses from Talgarth are preparing to represent Powys in SSAFA's flagship 13 Bridges Challenge in London this Armed Forces Day.

Jacqui Wilding, Chair of SSAFA Powys, and Community Engagement Volunteer Valmai Davies will join more than 1,200 participants crossing 13 of London's most famous bridges to raise funds and awareness for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Both women served with the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps and continue to support serving personnel, veterans and their families through their volunteer roles with SSAFA in Powys.

Jacqui began her military service with 53 Signal Squadron in Brecon before transferring to 203 Field Hospital as a military nurse and says her years in uniform provided opportunities and friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Jacqui said: "The Armed Forces gave me opportunities I would never otherwise have had. I met fantastic people, made lifelong friendships and enjoyed a career that was incredibly rewarding.

"The 13 Bridges Challenge is a great opportunity to continue supporting the Armed Forces community while representing Powys at one of SSAFA's biggest events of the year."

For Valmai, the challenge is also a personal milestone after a period of ill health.

Valmai said: "I wanted to increase my walking again after being unwell and the 13 Bridges Challenge gave me something positive to work towards. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of SSAFA Powys, give something back and honour friends from the Armed Forces community."

The pair will take part in the challenge on Armed Forces Day itself and say they will be thinking of colleagues and friends attending celebrations across Wales while they represent Powys in the capital.

The annual challenge sees participants follow a route through central London, crossing 13 iconic bridges before finishing in Battersea Park.

You can support Jacqui and Valmai through their fundraising links.

More information about the challenge and SSAFA's work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families can be found here.