A GROUP of former Hampshire addicts and supporters have united to take on a 427-mile expedition to raise money for one of the leading addiction charities.

Formed by 57-year-old grandfather, Richard Chorley, the group of 12 intends to walk from Southampton Bargate to Glasgow in hopes of raising awareness and funds for the charity Action on Addiction.

The members training for the march are recovering addicts as well as several supporters.

One of Action Addiction’s most renowned treatment centres includes Clouds House in Wiltshire, where Robbie Williams famously checked in to manage his issues with alcohol and drug misuse.

Richard, who lives in Holyrood, has had issues with alcohol and narcotics since he was 14 years old and was introduced to drugs when he began listening to Northern Soul music.

He said that he would regularly visit “back street” pubs to drink alcohol on his lunch break from Bellmoor school.

Richard entered Clouds House last year after doctors warned him that if he continued misusing substances and alcohol, he would die.

“The threat of death was a big wake up call,” he said.

Now Richard is hoping to educate and empower other people who are suffering with addiction by completing the walk, which will pass through Birmingham and Manchester.

“A lot of addicts don’t grow up, they are emotionally immature and essentially very selfish. The damage is not just to them but the wider community.

“They are incapable of seeing the pain they cause other people,” said Mr Chorley.

Richard hopes to raise vital funds which will allow the charity to continue its research into the causes of addiction.

The idea originated from Richard and fellow fundraiser Paul Prendergast when they were walking and noticed the increase of people living on the streets due to drug abuse.

“Drugs are all around, they are readily available and treatment centres are closing.

“The drug problem on our streets has gone past the capability of the police.

“We are trying to educate young people about the ramifications of drug abuse,” said Richard, who is a father-of-four.

Kim Rose, who ran for Ukip in the 2015 general election in Southampton Itchen, will also be participating in the walk.

Supporters including Unite the Union have already began pledging hundreds of pounds-worth of donations.

“I just want to make my family and grandchildren proud,” said Paul Prendergast.

Paul who is a father of five claims since he has began walking, he seen significant improvements in his mental health as well as improved fitness.

The Quays swimming complex has also given the participants free gym memberships so they can train for the mammoth journey.

Katie Blower, fundraising manager at Action on Addiction said: “We are delighted that Richard and his team are fundraising for Clouds House, the charity’s residential treatment centre for people with addiction problems.

“Their walk from Southampton to Scotland will really help us continue with our vital work. We rely heavily on the goodwill of supporters like Richard and his friends, and the funds they raise can be life-saving for those affected by addiction.”

The team will depart on August 12 and hope to arrive in Glasgow 14 days later.