A WIRRAL woman who has done "tremendous" volunteer work for veterans since losing her brother to cancer is taking on her next big challenge.

Gina Allsop, from Oxton, spent 14 years of her life in the British Army in Bosnia and Kosovo. 

After losing her brother in 2020, Gina started fundraising for the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association (SSAFA) and has now raised over £250,000 for military charities, including SSAFA, Care for Veterans, Sporting Force, East Lodge and Purple Warriors.

She has also worked with animal charities and mental health charities.

The mental health campaigner is now set to crawl up the highest mountain in the UK to raise money again for SSAFA.

Today (Saturday, December 16), Gina, and a group of other veterans, will be scaling the mountain Ben Nevis on all fours to highlight the challenge many people face with mental health issues.

Gina said: "I was diagnosed with PTSD and then my brother got diagnosed with cancer.

Wirral Globe: Gina in the ArmyGina in the Army (Image: SSAFA)

"We were told he had weeks to live just as COVID hit. All his treatment stopped. I'd go and see him for an hour and then I'd go for a cycle to help me cope.

"One such day I was knocked off my bike in a hit and run. Thankfully I was only badly bruised, but the bike wasn’t, it was completely trashed.

"Then the next day my amazing brother died. That was when Graham, a caseworker for SSAFA, called me to offer help."

Not only did Graham help Gina get through this dark time, but he also helped raise the money Gina needed to replace her bike.

Since then, Gina used her new bike to raise thousands for the charity. She has also campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and loneliness.

Gina added: "During the Christmas period particularly, times can be tough and difficult. Loneliness also increases during the festive period and I would like my crawl up Ben Nevis to make people stop and think.

"Maybe reach out to a neighbour or check in on a friend you haven’t heard from for a while. Loneliness kills, and a small act of kindness can make a massive difference in someone’s life. So, if you can’t donate, then just reach out and talk."

To donate to Gina, click here.