A new Exmouth charity supporting the families of people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has attracted the support of a former Premier League footballer.

My Oppo – military slang for 'my friend' - has been founded by Rebecca Howard and her Royal Marine husband Kheiron, to raise awareness of PTSD and bring together the families of people living with the condition so that they don't have to cope alone.

They've announced that the former Birmingham City, Derby County and Notts County player Michael Johnson, who now coaches the England Under-21s team, has agreed to be their ambassador.

Rebecca said: "We know how lonely and difficult it can be supporting your loved one who has PTSD.

"Therefore, we want to offer a safe place for the families to talk to people in similar situations.

"We offer three types of support including online support via our private social media group and weekly Zoom meetings.

"We also provide activities for the families to get involved with such as yoga, Reiki and meditation.

"Lastly, we are able to put families in touch with other families and meet face to face for a coffee or lunch.

"All of these types of support will help to ease the burden of stress that most families can experience (Covid dependant).

"As we grow as a charity, we will help to fund for short breaks and activities for the whole family in order to offer a much-needed time out and a chance for the family to spend quality time together, without having to worry about the financial considerations."

What will Michael Johnson do to help?

She said she and Kheiron are 'proud and honoured' to announce Michael Johnson as their ambassador: "He will be able to support the charity through various fundraising activities and networking skills. Michael will also help with motivational talks and is able to use his influential social media presence to spread awareness of our cause."

As a fundraising activity, My Oppo is putting together a team of people to take on the Three Peaks Challenge, with the aim of raising £15,000. Provided the Covid restrictions have been lifted it will take place on July 23-25 this year.

The charity is also appealing for donations to help pay for its support activities, which include online personal training, sessions with a life coach, Zoom meetings and presents to lift the spirits of families.

For more information visit the My Oppo website.