The aunt of Rifleman Danny Simpson who was killed in Afghanistan will embark on a 100km walk across the Sahara in honour of her nephew.

Karen Brown, 45, will be raising money for Help for Heroes, the charity which supports soldiers injured at war.

Rifleman Danny “Simo” Simpson of the 2 Rifles died after an attack by Taliban insurgents while on foot patrol near the town of Sangin in Helmand province last July.

The 20-year-old was being carried to safety after being wounded in a blast from an improvised explosive device when a second explosion killed him and his rescuer, Rifleman Joseph Murphy.

He was looking forward to going home and seeing his eight-month-old son Alfie when he died.

His aunt said: “Please, if you would like to help this determined middle-aged lady complete this very demanding journey across the Sahara in aid of our servicemen and women, any donations would very gratefully be received.”

Danny, a father-of-one, was a member of Mitcham rugby club and former 1st XV captain, Gary Ashburn and EastEnders actress, Carol Harrison are both supporting his aunt.

Sponsor Karen on justgiving.com/karen-brown2.