Freezing temperatures, wind and rain weren’t enough to deter a dedicated group of fundraisers who took part in a charity walk for a veterans Christmas appeal.

The Mince Pie Walk, organised by north Norfolk charity Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), was held on Sunday, December 17.

18 volunteers in total, including several WWTW team members, took part in the 8 mile walk from the quayside in Wells, along the coastal path to Blakeney, with some joining the group en route at Stiffkey and Morston.

And fundraisers got off to a cosy start with mince pies, mulled wine and hot drinks provided by long-standing WWTW supporter, Val Chitty, before the chilly walk.

Kate Sylvester, who took part in the event from WWTW, said: “It was freezing, but we had a really nice turnout, with 13 of us from the start.

“People brought their dogs along, and there was a really nice atmosphere.”

WWTW’s Christmas campaign, Walking Home For Christmas, has raised more than £100,000 in 2017 for ex-servicemen and women who are unemployed, homeless, or struggle with their mental health.

The charity has estimated that it will treble the number of people it will support in 2018, following a 97pc increase from last year to more than 1,000 people.

Read more: Can you help a Norfolk veterans charity with their Christmas challenge?

Andy Sloan, events manager at WWTW said: “Too many of our ex-military have little to look forward to this Christmas.

“They’ve walked in far more dangerous environments for us, so it is the least we can all do to organise a walk for them.”

WWTW supporter, Julia Bradbury, praised the walkers for doing their bit for the charity.

She said: “Lets raise funds to help our wounded military get back in to work and have their deserved independence.

“Please take part in Walking Home for Christmas by striding out with friends and family wherever you may be.

“Remember there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.”

Read more: ‘Norfolk needs you!’ Walk with wounded for East Anglian veterans’ charity

The official Walking Home For Christmas campaign ended on December 18, but anyone still wishing to donate can text ‘WHFC17 £5’ to 70070 to give £5, or buy a ticket for the diamond raffle held by Webbs Jewellers, in Holt.

Tickets for the prize draw to win a £2,000 diamond are £10.

They are available until 12pm on Friday 22 December, in store on the high street, or over the phone from WWTW on 01263 863900.

For more information, visit Walking With The Wounded’s website.