Afghan translator hikes for veterans charity

Akhtar and Heather will be walking the South West Coast Path

A former Afghan interpreter is taking on a 50-mile coastal hike to raise money for a veterans' charity.

Akhtar Mohammad worked alongside British and American troops in Afghanistan but now lives in Weymouth where he has been supported by the Weymouth Veterans' Hub.

He is set to begin the challenge on the South West Coast Path on Thursday, accompanied by a friend he met through a local refugee charity.

The pair have already raised £750 of their £1,000 target.

Mr Mohammad came to the UK as a refugee after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in 2021.

He is now studying aviation with the dream of becoming a commercial pilot and says he is "in love with the seaside" and Dorset.

"The people are lovely - everyone looks after each other," he said.

"It's so beautiful. Portland is one of the best places.

"I don't think I would be able to go back to my country. My family are in Pakistan - my father served in the Afghan forces - their life was at risk too.

"The Afghan girls are not going to school and we are losing a whole generation so I want to speak for women's rights."

Heather, of the Portland Global Friendship Group, who is joining Mr Mohammad on the challenge, said: "Akhtar has experienced first hand what an essential service the Veterans Hub is.

"He has been welcomed in... and felt so supported that he really wanted to give back and raise money for this charity."

Mr Mohammad said many of the veterans he had met had served in Afghanistan.

"If I got a chance and I am done with my studies I would love to do more for them because they have served my country," he said.

"I'm pretty used to walking. I walked with American troops for six months so I am confident I can do it."