Surf Action, a charity set up to help military veterans, has received a donation raised by the passengers on the King Harry Ferry.

A total of £2,252 was raised in 2013 by foot and cycle passengers on the ferry. Although they travel for free, each passenger is encouraged to place 50p in the collection tins aboard.

Surf Action was established in 2009 by Rich Emerson, a Gulf War veteran who was struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and who found being out on the water dramatically helped his symptoms. The charity now helps veterans suffering psychological or physical problems as a result of their military service, and their families. Regular surf and beach clinics are held all year round, as well as residential camps and Home Front family events.

Fay Dutfield-Horton, CEO of Surf Action said: “We were delighted to be selected as King Harry’s nominated charity for 2013 and we are so grateful to all the walkers and cyclists who raised so much money for Surf Action. We will be able to use it to help and support more military veterans and their families, especially as we are finding there is an increasing demand for our services.”

Surf Action was selected as the nominated charity at the suggestion of King Harry Ferry crew member William Allen. Last year, William successfully took on the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride and together with fellow cyclist Ewan McClymont raised almost £10,000 for the charity.

Tim Light, King Harry Ferry managing director, said: “Each year we look for a Cornish charity which we can support through fund raising on the King Harry Ferry, and Surf Action was a natural choice for us; the work they do is so important to support ex members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces in such a Cornish way.”

King Harry Ferry’s nominated charity for 2014 is Children’s Hospice South West who runs three hospices in the South West.