TWO veterans who found themselves homeless and “suffering in silence” have taken their first steps towards a brighter future by trekking 1,000 miles across America.

Jonny Burns, 28, and Kev Carr, 36, both served the country in the armed forces and completed tours in Iraq, but fell on hard times on their return to civilian life.

Mr Carr was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ended up living on the streets, as did fellow veteran, Mr Burns.

Eventually, both men were able to seek solace with members of staff at The Beacon – a supported housing scheme in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, dedicated to helping the homeless.

While living at the site operated by Riverside, Mr Burns and Mr Carr both made it their mission to raise awareness of the issues faced by ex-servicemen and women who struggle with the world after war.

Alongside four other veterans – another Briton and three Americans – the unbeaten duo walked across America to raise money for the Walking With The Wounded charity.

They began their “Walk of America” in Los Angeles in June, finishing in September in New York. As well as raising more than £190,000 for veterans on both sides of the Atlantic, the walk is hoped to create a wider conversation around mental health.

Mr Carr said: “ I suffer with PTSD and I’m getting support for it.

“But many veterans – in the UK and USA – are suffering in silence. I wanted to be involved in the expedition to help bring this issue out of the shadows.

“We need to look after our veterans and make sure they’re getting the help they need.”

Since returning home, both ex-servicemen have a renewed focus on their futures, with Mr Burns now planning to move to America to work in law enforcement, while Mr Carr aims to work for a veterans’ charity.

Mr Burns, 28, said: “The support we got in Texas, in particular, was phenomenal. People would pull over in their cars to come and shake our hands.

“I’ve lost many friends who suffered mental illness after leaving the forces. I wanted to do this walk in their memory and to highlight the difficulties we all face in our daily lives.”

The epic walk was organised by military charity, Walking With The Wounded, who has Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, as a patron.

Congratulating them after finishing the walk, the Prince sent a video message to the six, and said: “I’m so grateful for everything that you’ve done and the stories that you’ve shared.

“Your honesty and openness is an inspiration to so many – you’ve carried the whole veteran community with you on this journey.”