BLUE Apple Charity has set its sights on easing the pressure on the NHS with the service at 'breaking point' – despite facing a battle to keep its town centre doors open.

The organisation, which is in the process of relaunching, was formerly known as veterans charity Blue Apple Heroes.

But it is now supporting anybody with mental health difficulties as it seeks to provide 'therapies for all'.

After establishing in 2012 it has supported hundreds of veterans and families in Warrington and the surrounding areas.

And with an independent coffee shop, which will provide eight part-time jobs and barista training for unemployed residents, and furniture store set to open at its Buttermarket Street base in December, charity founder Mark Smith is setting his sights high.

But the 55-year-old, from Great Sankey, admits there are still serious concerns of just what lies ahead.

He said: "We are running out of money and are not in a good position at the moment, we should have had the coffee shop open at the start of the year.

"We will still be working with veterans but we now want to work with anybody with any mental health problems.

"We realise the NHS is working flat out, it is at breaking point. I think we can provide support and ease the strain on the NHS.

"So many people rely on us, if we take it away from them I think some will end up in psychiatric units, which puts more pressure on the NHS.

"The coffee shop is going to help, it will be run as a social enterprise. All the profit, after staff and the bills are paid, will come back to the charity – it will provide sustainability.

"It cost £6,000 to refit, we have done all the work ourselves, along with great support from firms, suppliers and the public.

"But if we don't get it open in the next two months we will probably go under – that is the reality of it."

Ex-soldier Mark was formerly a professional bodyguard tasked with protecting leading figures across the globe.

But he admits his role at the organisation, since it was established in 2012, is his most rewarding.

He added: "As a bodyguard I worked around the world with the stars and it was prestige.

"The biggest job I did was with the Queen – I did the security at her 50th wedding anniversary.

"That was the hardest job of my life and I am proud I did that.

"But saving people's lives and keeping marriages together can't be topped, you can't put a price on that.

"I have some down days and it affects my mental health at times but the good outweighs the bad."

For further information visit the Blue Apple Charity Facebook page.