SAS legend John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman will return to Brecon to share stories of his years in the special forces at a special charity fundraiser.

Lofty – the best-selling author of The SAS Survival Handbook – served in every SAS operation between 1959 and 1985, ran selection and training exercises, and later opened his own survival school.

He will share some of his memories and survival tips in aid of veterans’ mentoring project Change Step at a special event at the Castle Hotel in Brecon on Friday, June 8.

“I’ll tell the story of how I came to join the paras and then the SAS at 18, and the selection process,” Lofty said. “It only seems like yesterday, but I served for 26 years all the way from a trooper to Warrant Officer.

“I’ve served throughout the world, and in all theatres, for everything which happened between those dates – so I’ll be able to share a few stories, and will be happy to take questions.

“I like to show how people can use survival techniques to help them deal with every day pressures, and I like to get people laughing. But the idea is to raise as much money as we can raise for charity.”

Lofty is no stranger to the Brecon area, having run and taken part in many selection and training exercises in the Beacons.

Change Step delivers effective veteran-to-veteran peer mentoring for former forces personnel who need extra support – and has already helped more than 1,500 veterans and their families throughout Wales.

The project’s Brecon-based mentor Phil Johnson trained with Lofty, and said he was looking forward to welcoming the survival expert and author back to his old stomping ground for a great evening’s entertainment.

“Lofty’s a character that you don’t forget easily,” he said. “He is really very funny when he gets going, and we’re looking forward to bringing him back to Brecon.

“I went to see him about a month ago and told him about our work, and he volunteered to do this for us – so we’re really grateful, and looking forward to a fantastic night.”

Tickets, priced just £5, are available on the door. The event begins at 7pm, with all proceeds going to Change Step.

More information on the support for veterans provided by Change Step is available online at www.changestepwales.co.uk or by calling 0300 777 2259.