A FORMER soldier who fought to overcome his own mental health issues has been inspired by a retired US Navy SEAL to run 48 miles in 48 hours.

Liam Taylor, of Ferryhill, will take on the challenge to raise money for three charities, two of which helped him through his most difficult times.

The 33-year-old joined the army age 17 and completed tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Germany before leaving age 24.

After struggling to reintegrate into society, Mr Taylor said things started to unravel.

“When I came out I felt like I didn’t fit in. Everything was different, I felt like I didn’t belong here anymore.” He said.

“Suicide is something that follows you [soldiers] throughout your career. Those thoughts are always there.

“I started to understand it because I felt like I couldn’t take being here anymore.”

Mr Taylor realised he was suffering with his mental health after he cut off contact with his family and friends and left the country.

After being persuaded to return to the UK he sought help from a counsellor and Help for Heroes and has since started challenging himself physically and mentally.

He said: “I started following a guy called David Goggins on Instagram and decided I was going to start pushing myself.”

David Goggins is an ultramarathon runner, triathlete, motivational speaker and author who, like Mr Taylor, also served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He has amassed 1.7m followers on Instagram and is known for his no-nonsense attitude to life and fitness.

Mr Taylor added: “I’ve been challenging myself for the past two years, completing the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis three times and completing Total Warrior.

“It’s good for me to have something to focus on.”

Mr Taylor’s latest feat will see him run 48 miles in 48 hours between Friday, August 16 and Sunday, August 18.

He will raise money for Help for Heroes, Veterans at Ease and the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust.

Mr Taylor added: “When I look back on my time in the army I feel like I went in as a boy and came out as a man, it is incredibly difficult to adjust to life as a civilian and people don’t realise how much help is out there.

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling to get in touch with Help for Heroes, they know how to help, they understand it even if you don’t.

“I’ve had so much support and feel strong mentally now.

“I’ve got myself a good job working with a Formula One team and putting my time off into charity work makes me feel proud. I lost my grandfather in 2014 and he was my hero. I hope I am making him proud.”

To sponsor Mr Taylor visit: gofundme.com/f/vfb363-48-miles-completed-in-under-48-hours